Boiled Potato

Potato roots. Big flavours.

Refried Beans Taco

December 9, 2025

vegetarian mexican

Grocery List

Produce

  • 1 small onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 lime
  • Fresh coriander (optional)
  • 1 tomato (for topping)
  • Lettuce (optional)

Pantry

  • 1 can refried beans (or 1 can pinto/black beans)
  • Corn or flour tortillas
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Salsa or hot sauce
  • Cooking oil spray (optional)

Spices

  • Ground cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Oregano
  • Chilli powder (optional)

Proteins

  • None (vegetarian)

Other

  • Grated cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Sour cream or Greek yoghurt (optional)
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Utensils List

  • Frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Small knife
  • Chopping board
  • Spoon
  • Optional: skillet for warming tortillas

Ingredients (2 servings)

  • 1 can refried beans (400g) or 1 can pinto/black beans, lightly mashed
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 4–6 tortillas
  • 50g grated cheese
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
  • Salsa or hot sauce

Meal Prep Steps

  1. Chop the onion, garlic, tomato, and coriander.
  2. Grate the cheese.
  3. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
  4. Open refried beans can and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics
    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

  2. Season
    Add cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

  3. Cook the beans
    Add the refried beans (or mashed beans). Stir to combine. If too thick, add 2–4 tbsp water. Cook 3–5 minutes until creamy.

  4. Warm tortillas
    Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 10–15 seconds each side until soft.

  5. Assemble tacos
    Spoon warm refried beans onto each tortilla.
    Top with cheese, tomato, coriander, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime.
    Add salsa or hot sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Refried beans: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water.
  • Tortillas: Keep wrapped in the fridge up to 3 days; warm in a skillet.
  • Assembled tacos: Best eaten fresh—keep fillings separate until serving.

Oliver Rodriguez, 2025