Quick Vegan Refried Bean & Cheese Tacos

Nov 24

If you're looking for quick vegan taco ideas that are packed with flavour, protein, and convenience, these Vegan Refried Bean & Cheese Tacos are about to become your new weeknight favourite.

As a busy dad who’s always juggling kids and life in general, I’m constantly searching for meals that tick all the boxes: fast, affordable, tasty, and enjoyed by the whole family. These tacos absolutely deliver in every way.

The magic of this recipe is how little effort it takes. I’m talking about a 10 minute recipe from start to finish, using simple pantry staples and whatever toppings you’ve got sitting in the fridge.

This recipe right here is the kind of meal that shows just how easy vegan food can be.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Refried Bean & Cheese Tacos Recipe

There’s so many reasons to love this vegan taco recipe, but if you’re second guessing this one, here are some of the key reason to try this recipe for yourself:

Ready in minutes
Budget friendly
High protein
Crispy, cheesy, and satisfying
Customisable for everyone
Kid-approved!!

Can Vegans Eat Tacos?

Absolutely!

Traditional tacos often use meat and dairy, but making vegan tacos is incredibly easy. Simply swap out the non-vegan fillings for delicious vegan versions: beans, vegetables, tofu, lentils, mushrooms, and vegan cheese. Soft tortillas, refried beans, and salsa are all typically vegan as well.

These refried bean and cheese tacos are one of the simplest examples of how satisfying and flavourful a fully vegan taco can be.

What You'll Need for this Vegan Refried Bean & Cheese Recipe

It doesn’t get much easier than this for a tasty taco recipe - just 5 ingredients!

Yep. That’s right. Only 5 ingredients.

While you can enjoy this recipe very easily with just these five ingredients, this taco recipe is entirely customisable to suit your personal tastes.

More about that later. But for now, this is what you need for this recipe:

Medium soft wraps or tortillas
Refried beans
Salsa (any variety you love)
Grated vegan cheese
Fresh rocket

Vegan Taco Filling Ideas

If you want to switch things up or serve a taco night spread, here are some delicious filling ideas that pair perfectly with refried beans:

Roasted corn
Pan-fried mushrooms with cumin and garlic
Shredded lettuce, cabbage, or rocket
Fresh tomato salsa
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Pickled red onion
Seasoned tofu crumbles
Black beans or pinto beans
Jalapeños

These variations help keep taco nights fun and give you endless options if you want to put on a bit of a spread, especially if you have different taste preferences in the family.

Why Use Refried Beans in Tacos?

Refried beans are actually one of the best vegan taco bases you can use. Here’s why:

Creamy
Protein-rich
Affordable
Full of flavour
Great for binding the taco fillings

They also crisp up beautifully in the pan, making the taco golden and slightly crunchy, almost like a quesadilla–taco hybrid. If you haven’t tried refried beans in tacos before, this recipe will convert you.

Are Refried Beans Healthy?

Refried beans provide a great source of:

Plant-based protein
Dietary fibre
Iron
B vitamins

Just check labels to ensure you’re choosing the vegan version.

Time-Saving Tips

Because you know me, I’m always thinking about the parents who are juggling homework, after-school activities, and just… life:

Pre-grate your vegan cheese for fast assembly.
Keep a can of refried beans in the pantry at all times - perfect to use in other recipes too.
Prep toppings on the weekend so taco night becomes “open fridge, assemble, done.”
Make a double batch and keep leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches.

Vegan taco with refried beans, vegan cheese and rocket

Variations to Try for this Vegan Taco Recipe

You can easily elevate these vegan tacos by experimenting with:

Chipotle mayo
Extra spicy salsa
Crunchy taco shells
Mixing black beans with refried beans
Adding corn chips inside the taco

FAQ for Refried Bean & Cheese Taco

Can vegans eat tacos?
Absolutely! Tacos are one of the easiest foods to make vegan.

Can you freeze refried beans?
Yep! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I add extra protein?
Yes. You could easily add tofu crumbles, tempeh mince, or black beans.

Are tacos dairy-free if I remove the cheese?
Yes, as long as your tortillas and fillings don’t contain dairy.

This quick vegan refried bean & cheese tacos recipe is one of those simple recipe that can either satisfy as a quick vegan snack, or even as a light dinner.

As someone who is always looking for quick ideas to feed the family, or just finding quick snacks for the kids, this taco recipe gets used over and over again.

If you want to mix things up a little, the recipe is completely customisable too!

PRINT RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

Vegan Refried Bean & Cheese Tacos

Serves: 6 tacos

6 medium soft wraps or tortillas
435g can of refried beans
Salsa
Grated vegan cheese
Rocket
Olive Oil

METHOD

Heat a medium-sized fry pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil.
Evenly spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the refried beans across the entire surface of one soft wrap.
Carefully place the wrap onto the hot pan, bean-side down. Press down lightly with a spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes until the refried beans start to sizzle.
Using a spatula, carefully flip the wrap over.
Spoon your desired amount of salsa and grated vegan cheese onto the centre half of the wrap (leaving the edges clear).
Cover the pan with a lid (or foil) for 1-2 minutes until the vegan cheese begins to lightly melt and become gooey.
Remove the taco wrap from the pan. Top the taco wrap with a handful of fresh rocket.
Serve immediately and enjoy warm!