When I first made these Crispy Potato and Refried Bean Tacos with Spicy Ranch Dip Recipe, I had no idea they would become such a beloved recipe in my home. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy tortilla filled with creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful refried beans—that’s what this dish promises with every bite. The spicy ranch dip on the side is the perfect addition, offering a zesty, tangy kick that complements the savory filling.
It’s hearty yet quick to make, perfect for everything from casual dinners to party appetizers. What’s more, these tacos are vegan-friendly, so everyone at the table can enjoy them guilt-free. I paired mine with some fresh lime wedges and sliced avocado, and every bite felt like a celebration of flavor and texture. You’re going to love this recipe as much as I do, and trust me, your family and friends will keep asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These crispy, creamy tacos are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion! Here are reasons:
Easy and Quick to Prepare
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and everything comes together in about an hour.
Crispy and Creamy Texture Combo
The contrast of the crispy, golden tortillas with the creamy mashed potatoes and hearty beans creates an irresistible bite every time.
Versatile and Customizable
Not a fan of spice? Skip the hot sauce. Want more veggies? Add some sautéed peppers or corn into the mix.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making an appetizer for a crowd or a meal for two, these tacos deliver big on flavor and presentation.
Budget-Friendly
With pantry staples like beans, potatoes, and tortillas, this recipe is as affordable as it is delicious.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- Baby Dutch yellow potatoes
- Non-dairy milk
- Vegan butter
- Salt
- Refried beans
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Vegan yogurt
- Black pepper
- Mini tortillas
- Canola or vegetable oil
- Lime
Variations
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few creative variations to inspire you.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat ones.
- Milder Flavor: Leave out the chili powder and hot sauce in both the filling and the dip for a gentler flavor profile.
- Protein Boost: Add tofu crumbles or black beans to the filling for an extra protein punch.
- Air Fried Version: Instead of pan-frying, use an air fryer for a lighter but equally crispy taco shell.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pot: To boil the potatoes.
- Skillet: For pan-frying the tacos.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the filling and spicy ranch dip.
- Potato Masher: To ensure smooth mashed potatoes.
- Spatula: For flipping the tacos.
How to Make Crispy Potato and Refried Bean Tacos with Spicy Ranch Dip?
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and Instagram-worthy meal! 🌮

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes 🥔
Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water for about 30 minutes or until they are fork-tender. If using potatoes with thicker skin, peel them beforehand. Once cooked, mash the potatoes with vegan butter, a splash of non-dairy milk, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Refried Beans 🍲
While the potatoes are boiling, mix the refried beans with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. If the beans are too firm, microwave them briefly to soften before mixing.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Ranch Dip 🌶️
Combine vegan yogurt with non-dairy milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, chili powder, and a dash of hot sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos 🌮
Microwave the tortillas for 30–45 seconds to make them pliable. Spread mashed potatoes on half of each tortilla and refried beans on the other half. Fold each tortilla into a taco shape, pressing gently to flatten slightly.
Step 5: Pan-Fry Until Crispy 🍳
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and place four tacos into the pan at a time. Cook for 2 minutes on one side or until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another minute. Repeat with the remaining tacos, adding more oil as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy 😋
Arrange the crispy tacos on a serving plate with lime wedges and drizzle them with the spicy ranch dip. Add extra hot sauce if you like it extra spicy and garnish with fresh cilantro or diced avocado.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and high-quality non-dairy milk make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overfill Tacos: A thin layer of filling ensures they seal properly and crisp up evenly.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even frying.
- Taste and Adjust: Customize the spiciness of both the filling and dip to suit your taste.
How to Serve Crispy Potato and Refried Bean Tacos with Spicy Ranch Dip?
Serve these tacos warm with a side of extra lime wedges and a small bowl of spicy ranch dip for dipping. For a well-rounded meal, pair them with a simple salad, fresh corn on the cob, or a bowl of rice. For gatherings, arrange the tacos on a large platter with colorful toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, and shredded lettuce for an impressive presentation.
Nutritional Information
This recipe offers a tasty balance of proteins, carbs, and fats. Here’s a quick overview per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 10g
Make Ahead and Storage
Prepare Ahead
To save time, you can mash the potatoes and mix the beans a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Similarly, the spicy ranch dip can be made ahead and stored for up to three days.
Storing Leftovers
These tacos are best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or skillet to restore their crispiness. Freezing is not recommended as the tortillas may lose their texture when thawed.
With their crispy shell and flavorful filling, these potato and refried bean tacos will become your new go-to comfort food. The spicy ranch dip takes them to the next level, providing a creamy, tangy finish you won’t be able to resist. Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or as a satisfying snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress everyone who tries it. Give it a go—I promise, you’ll be hooked from the first bite! 🌟

Crispy Potato and Refried Bean Tacos with Spicy Ranch Dip Recipe
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 10 small baby Dutch yellow potatoes 10.5oz / 300g
- 3 tbsp unsweetened unflavored nondairy milk (45ml)
- 1 tbsp vegan butter 11g
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
Refried Beans
- 1 cup refried beans 250g
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Pinch of salt optional
Spicy Ranch Dip
- ½ cup vegan yogurt 85g
- 1 tbsp unsweetened unflavored nondairy milk (15ml)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp parsley flakes
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Pinch of black pepper
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp hot sauce or to taste
Other
- 8 mini street taco-style tortillas
- 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 1 lime sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: In a medium pot, boil the potatoes for about 30 minutes or until fork-tender. If using russet potatoes, peel them first; for thinner-skinned varieties, peeling is optional.
- Prepare the Beans: In a bowl, mix the refried beans with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt. If the beans are too thick, microwave for 30 seconds to soften.
- Make the Spicy Ranch Dip: Combine all dip ingredients in a bowl, adjusting flavors as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once cooked, mash the potatoes with vegan butter, salt, and nondairy milk until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the Tortillas: Microwave the tortillas for 30–45 seconds to prevent cracking when folding.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread 1½ tablespoons of beans on one half of a tortilla and 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes on the other half. Smooth into an even layer, then fold over. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Pan-Fry the Tacos: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add 4 tacos and pan-fry for about 2 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another minute. Repeat with the remaining oil and tacos, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve & Enjoy: Arrange the tacos on a plate, garnish with lime wedges, drizzle with hot sauce, and serve with the chilled spicy ranch dip
Notes
- You can use any type of potatoes, but I personally love yellow or gold varieties.
- A potato masher is a simple, affordable tool that makes mashing much easier!