Crispy Pinto Bean Tacos

Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson January 5, 2024 This post may contain affiliate links.

These crispy pinto bean tacos are only 6 ingredients — and they’re ready in just a few minutes! Try this tasty recipe for your next taco night!

I love making tacos, and lately, I’ve been loving crispy tacos. Don’t confuse these with hard shell tacos — these are made with flour tortillas that are pan-fried until the outside is crispy, but they don’t fall apart when you’re eating them. They’re made with canned pinto beans, taco seasoning, salsa, and your favorite cheese.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Beans– I used pinto beans, which are hearty and flavorful. If you want to make a version with black beans, try my crispy black bean tacos.
Taco seasoning– I used McCormick’s taco seasoning, but you can use any brand you like. If you want to reduce the sodium, look for a salt-free seasoning.
Salsa– I used chunky tomato salsa. You can use any kind of salsa you like but if you’re using a salsa with a lot of juice, drain the salsa slightly before adding to the beans. This will help prevent the tacos from becoming soggy.
Cheese– I like using Monterey Jack cheese as it melts well and has a fairly mild flavor. If you want something spicy, try using Pepper Jack cheese.
Tortillas– I recommend using flour tortillas but you can use corn tortillas. Corn tortillas tend to be smaller, so you may need to use less filling.
Oil– A little oil helps give the tacos a crispy shell. If you want to reduce the oil, you can simply spray the tacos with a little olive oil and lightly pan fry until brown.

Variations & Topping Ideas

Feel free to get creative with toppings! After the tacos are crispy, you can use a fork to open them up slightly and stuff them with avocado and shredded lettuce. Or drizzle them with additional salsa and sour cream. Try dipping these tacos in my cilantro sauce or burrito sauce for even more flavor!