Easy Cheesy Beef & Bean Tacos

Juicy seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese tucked into crispy taco shells—this is weeknight dinner made easy and delicious!

There’s something magical about cheesy, beefy tacos that just makes dinner feel like a celebration. These Easy Cheesy Beef & Bean Tacos are quick, affordable, and downright delicious—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. With savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and gooey melted cheese, these tacos are kid-friendly, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes. Grab your favorite toppings and get ready for taco night, Mama Bear style!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 8 crunchy taco shells
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish!)

Supplies Needed

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Baking sheet (for melting cheese in tacos, optional!)

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Season & Simmer

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water, stirring to coat the beef. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Warm the Beans

In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the refried beans until warm and creamy.

Assemble the Tacos

Spread a spoonful of refried beans into each taco shell. Spoon in the seasoned beef mixture, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Melt the Cheese (Optional but Delicious!)

For extra cheesy goodness, place the assembled tacos on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbly.

Add Toppings & Serve

Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve immediately with salsa or guacamole on the side!

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover beef and beans in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: The seasoned beef freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat before serving.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Extra Crispy Tacos: Bake the taco shells for 5 minutes before filling them to make them extra crunchy!
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Stir 1/2 cup shredded cheese directly into the beef mixture for even more cheesiness.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick!

Variations

Soft Beef & Bean Tacos: Swap crunchy taco shells for warm flour or corn tortillas.
Loaded Taco Salad: Skip the shells and serve the beef and beans over chopped lettuce with tortilla chips.
Vegetarian Option: Use black beans instead of ground beef and add roasted veggies for a hearty meat-free version!

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and soaks up all those taco seasonings beautifully.

What if I don’t have refried beans?
You can mash up a can of pinto or black beans with a little butter and seasoning for a quick homemade version!

How do I keep my taco shells from breaking?
Warming them in the oven for a few minutes before filling helps keep them sturdy!

These Easy Cheesy Beef & Bean Tacos are simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavor—the kind of meal that brings the whole family to the table with big smiles and empty plates. Whether you’re serving them up for Taco Tuesday or a laid-back dinner, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Now grab a plate and get to munchin’!

Disclosure: Y’all, this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Keeps the taco shells crunchy and the cheese melty—thank ya kindly!