One of my challenges is to find some new meatless dinner recipes that the whole family will enjoy, besides your typical pasta. Don’t get me wrong, I love pasta, but I want to offer other meatless alternatives for the family. I’ve been trying to cut back on our meat intake to just a couple of days a week, and it’s been easy to find recipes that I like, but it’s been a bit harder to find recipes that the kids will enjoy as well.
I recently picked a new favorite cookbook called, Meat Free Monday, and came across this refried bean taco recipe from Paul McCartney. It was said to be one of his favorite recipes, so I decided to give it a try.
So how did these tacos go over with the family? The kids rated them a double thumbs up! I rated them a thumbs up as well due to the taste factor, but also because I had dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. These tacos are the perfect weeknight meal because everything can be made and assembled in less than 20 minutes, and chances are you have most of the ingredients on hand in your pantry. Double thumbs up to Paul!
Here’s to taco Tuesday!
Paul McCartney’s refried bean tacos:
recipe from Meat Free Monday
serves 4-6
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 15-ounce can of refried beans I love Amy’s Organic Refried Beans, as they come in BPA free cans
- 4 medium tomatoes, de-seeded and chopped – I typically use Italian plum tomatoes, but love using heirloom tomatoes in the summer
- pinch or two of sea salt
- 1 package of whole grain corn tortillas or taco shells
- Monterey jack cheese
- 1 lime
- *Optional – 1-2 teaspoons hot chili sauce – I did not add this because the kid’s do not like things too spicy
- Sliced avocado, or guacamole for topping the tacos
Not sure how to de-seed and chop an Italian plum tomato? I’ll show you how. 
Then quarter it.
Take a small knife and scoop out the seedpod.
Lay the tomato skin side down and cut into thin strips lengthwise.
Cut the strips crosswise into small pieces.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is soft but not browned.
Stir in the refried beans. Add in the chopped tomatoes and cook until heated through. Season to taste with sea salt. If you like your tacos spicy, add the 1 to 2 teaspoons of chill sauce to the refried bean mixture.Below is a picture of the refried bean mixture.
I know it’s not the prettiest picture, but I wanted to show you what it looks like.
It’s time to heat up your tortillas.You can heat up the tortillas 2 ways.
seconds per side.
Don’t feel like turning on the grill? Then turn on your stove. Set your burner to low and put the tortilla on top of the grate and cook for about 20 seconds per side.
You don’t have to heat up the soft tortillas, but they taste so much better when you do.Now comes the fun part, assembling the tacos!
Make sure to squeeze some fresh lime juice on each taco.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 15-ounce can of refried beans - I love Amy's Organic Refried Beans, as they come in BPA free cans
- 4 medium tomatoes, de-seeded and chopped - I typically use Italian plum tomatoes, but love using heirloom tomatoes in the summer
- pinch or two of sea salt
- 1 package of whole grain corn tortillas or taco shells
- Monterey jack cheese
- 1 lime
- *Optional - 1-2 teaspoons hot chili sauce - I did not add this because the kid's do not like things too spicy
- sliced avocado or guacamole for topping the tacos
- First, chop up your onion, and then de-seed and chop up your tomatoes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is soft but not browned.
- Stir in the refried beans. Add in the chopped tomatoes and cook until heated through. Season to taste with a bit of sea salt.
- If you like your tacos spicy, add the 1 to 2 teaspoons of chill sauce to the refried bean mixture.
- It's time to heat up your tortillas. You can heat up the tortillas 2 ways.
- Toss the tortillas on the grill, and grill them until slightly charred and pliable, about 20 seconds per side.
- Don't feel like turning on the grill? Then turn on your stove. Set your burner to low and put the tortilla on top of the grate and cook for about 20 seconds per side.
- Top each tortilla with the bean mixture and then add your favorite fixings. Make sure to squeeze some fresh lime juice on each taco.
Jennie says
June 11, 2015 at 8:56 pmWe are back in Mn visiting family after moving to Seattle, and we made this entire meal (along with Joy the Baker’s roasted corn and goat cheese guacamole) and it was a great quick party meal. Usually it gets stressful thinking of something to feed the vegetarians, but it was great to make one thing everyone could enjoy.
jackiegrandy says
June 12, 2015 at 1:17 pmHi Jennie! Awesome! It’s funny, but I used to stress about what to feed my vegetarian friends as well, and then I realized that I pretty much each vegetarian most days of the week, so it’s not as stressful anymore. These are the perfect tacos, along with my sweet potato tacos to feed both vegetarians and satisfy the meat eaters. I’m glad to hear that everyone enjoyed them 🙂 I hope you’re loving Seattle! I used to live in MN as well and it’s such a dynamic and beautiful city, but I have to say that I’m digging the west coast! I’m loving the ocean, the mountains and the wine country! Amazing! Thanks so much for stopping by saying hi and for sharing Jennie 🙂 xoxo, Jacquelyn
Marjorie Snow says
October 28, 2014 at 1:19 amFinally prepared Paul McCartney’s Refried Bean Tacos – they were delicious! Even the reluctant ‘meatless Monday’ husband liked them. Added a little mild salsa to kick them up a bit. Keep these great recipes coming our way!
jackiegrandy says
October 28, 2014 at 3:17 amHi Marjorie! Yaay, so happy that you made the tacos and you want to know what? I made them tonight for dinner as well. We’re two peas in a pod! They’re seriously so easy and so good and I’m glad to hear that your meat loving hubby enjoyed them as well. I will keep the recipes coming as long as you keep making them 🙂 Have a great night 🙂 xoxo, Jacquelyn
Emily3 says
July 14, 2014 at 11:00 pmThis recipe has been on my radar for a while – finally tried it tonight. My husband and I really enjoyed it! I think the twist of lime at the end is totally worth doing. My kids (aged 2&4) wouldn’t touch the beans, which drove me crazy because they LIKE beans of all varieties…. Guess they’re not used to them mushed up refried style. But it’s ok, since it means more leftovers for me! Now I know what I’ll have for lunch tomorrow 😉
jackiegrandy says
July 15, 2014 at 11:19 pmHi Emily! I’m so happy to hear that you finally gave this recipe a try. Yaay! I LOVE it! I think kids get freaked out by the chunks of tomato and onion in the refried beans. I will agree that it’s not the most attractive dish, but it sure is tasty! I hope you enjoyed your lunch! xoxo, Jacquelyn
Rebecca says
January 7, 2014 at 6:34 amLove Paul and will try these as they look good. Just one question: I thought Paul was vegan.. did you add the cheese? (I’m not vegan, just curious – thanks!)
jackiegrandy says
January 7, 2014 at 2:28 pmHi Rebecca! So funny that you commented on both the kale salad and refreied bean tacos! I made these both for dinner last night 🙂 I’m not sure if Paul if vegan or not? Yes, we do add cheese to the tacos. We add some monteray jack cheese and they’re so darn good! Make sure that you heat up the tortillas as they make the tacos so much better! xoxo, Jackie
Charity says
October 22, 2013 at 4:27 pmSo, so good! Used Trader’s Joe salsa style refried beans and then added in some cumin, chipotle chili pepper, and red pepper flakes to suite our tastes. Used whole grain soft taco shells too to up the health factor. My husband and I ate them all, just the two of us. Yum!
jackiegrandy says
October 23, 2013 at 1:00 amHi Charity! Yaay! I’m so glad that you and your hubby loved these tacos. They’re very hard to stop at one I must say 😉 I also love the yummy additions you made to the refried beans. I might have to give that at try next time! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how they turned out for you! xoxo, Jackie
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
October 2, 2013 at 6:33 pmLast night I had to work really late, so I e-mailed this recipe to David so he could make them for us and they’d be ready when I got home. He LOVED them, said they were SO easy, and loved your instructions on cutting the tomatoes. He also said he loves your photos — so that’s great! I love that he was able to make a delicious meal for me from this post — so thank you! Oh yeah, they were delicious, too!
jackiegrandy says
October 3, 2013 at 1:26 pmHi Kelli! Great news girl! I’m psyched that you both loved these tacos (my fave as well) and that David made the recipe all by himself 🙂 He’s the man! Tell him I said thanks for his sweet comments about the photos. I’m glad he found them helpful and pretty 😉 I aim to please here at Marin mama 🙂 Ok, I think I put in a few too many smiley faces, but you get it! Your comment made me smile, so there you go! Have a great day girl! xoxo, Jackie
Danielle @ Dani Cakes says
September 17, 2013 at 12:52 amFinally made these tonight after eyeing them for months! SOOOO GOOD! They are going to be a regular for us. I just can’t believe how easy they were for such a refreshing taste. We are totally following part of your meatless menu this week and trying the heirloom soup Wednesday 🙂
jackiegrandy says
September 17, 2013 at 1:12 amYaay Dani! I’m so glad you finally made these tacos. They may not look pretty, but they sure are tasty. I’m psyched you’re following the meatless theme this week as well and trying some new recipes! I can’t wait to hear how you like the heirloom tomato soup! 🙂 xoxo, Jackie
Reiko Yamasaki Runquist says
August 4, 2013 at 2:05 amOMG ! So delish. I can’t believe I haven’t made these earlier. We loved them so much we ate them for two nights in a row. Do you have cookbook? If so, do you recommend buying it?
Thanks again for sharing ! Love reading your blog.
jackiegrandy says
August 4, 2013 at 2:31 pmHi Reiko! I’m so glad you made and loved these tacos. They’re one of our favorite meatless meals and I love that they literally take 20 minutes to make. We sometimes take the leftover refried bean mixture along with some cheese, and pan fry up some quesadillas, so good. No, I do not have a cookbook, but I have plenty of other great recipes on the blog. The best way to see them with the photos is to click on the recipe tab at the top and scroll down to a category like dinner, click on dinner and it will show you all of the dinner recipes that I have on the blog. Thanks again for stopping by and saying hi and thanks for you kind words 🙂 xoxo, Jackie
brooke field says
April 19, 2013 at 12:45 ammade these tonight… so good!
jackiegrandy says
April 19, 2013 at 4:25 pmAwesome Brooke! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know 🙂
Jacquelyn Grandy says
July 1, 2012 at 7:08 pmHi Juli! Thanks so much for the kind words. I have made these tacos 3 times since I posted this recipe. This is going to be our go-to meatless taco Tuesday meal!
I hope you like it.
JUli Tedeschi says
July 1, 2012 at 6:33 amyum.Def have to try these this week. YOu have the best ideas
JUli Tedeschi
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
June 11, 2012 at 9:11 amHi! I’m a new visitor to your blog, thanks to these fantastic tacos! 🙂 Loving your meatless recipes! I’m now following you 🙂
Jacquelyn Grandy says
June 11, 2012 at 1:17 pmHi Becca. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you find recipe or two on the blog that become your favorite. The chickpea burgers, lentil meatballs and lacinato kale salad are a few of my favorites.
Kristina @ Love and Zest says
June 11, 2012 at 2:39 amNew to your blog and I’m super excited to read more! You’re awesome!
Jacquelyn Grandy says
June 11, 2012 at 4:07 amThanks Kristina! You’re so sweet and thanks for stopping by 🙂
Pam says
June 8, 2012 at 10:16 pmThey look awesome!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
June 7, 2012 at 12:05 amthey look awesome and I actually just cooked a few savory recipes to be posted in the next week or so! I can relate to summer, cooking, kids, the whole she-bang!
Jacquelyn Grandy says
June 7, 2012 at 1:22 pmHI Averie. I can’t wait to see your savory recipes. They are always super healthy!
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
June 6, 2012 at 12:05 amYum! What a delicious idea! I’ll have to try this out, I’m pretty sure everyone in my house will love these 🙂
Jacquelyn Grandy says
June 7, 2012 at 1:23 pmThanks Heidi. These are super simple tacos to make, but a winner in my house and who doesn’t like that?
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
June 5, 2012 at 4:57 pmI loved those summers with my kids. We had a neighborhood pool and they would ask me to bring them sandwiches and snacks and drinks. I loved putting together their favorites and making them happy. This does look like it would and could make me happy. Two thumbs up for easy and delicious. Thanks!
Jacquelyn Grandy says
June 7, 2012 at 2:07 amI know Tricia. I’m looking forward to hanging with the kids this summer. They are growing way to fast and I want to savor every minute.
I made these again this week and just love how easy they are!
Zoe says
June 5, 2012 at 12:34 amThis meatless taco looks extremely yummy! With two of my son’s favourite ingredients, beans and avocado, I think my meat-eating son will be happy eating this for his lunch or dinner.
Heard of Paul McCartney and Stella McCartney “wholesome” cooking but I have not tried any of their cooking yet. This one is a great start for me to try.
One silly question from me…I realise that some of your pictures show your hands chopping the vegetables or demonstrating some cooking. Did anyone help you with all these photo-taking or do you have a tripod stand to do this? I didn’t have an open-concept kitchen and all my kitchen benches face a wall and so all my photo are taken with my wall as a backdrop 😀
Jacquelyn Grandy says
June 5, 2012 at 1:26 pmHi Zoe! My meat eating daughter was happy with these tacos because they are filling and dense. I think your son will like them if he likes bean and cheese burritos.
So, I have a tripod but I have not figured out how to set the timer and I usually have to focus my camera for each shot so I’m not sure how to do that with a tripod. Anyway, I have a lovely 12 year old (Zoe) who happily takes all my pictures. She has even done a few videos, but I’m not ready to post them. You can have your husband take pictures of you from the side angle in your kitchen or you can do the demonstrations on your kitchen or dining room table. Everything doesn’t have to be done in the kitchen. I have learned from blogging that every room in the house gets used. I bring my rimmed baking sheet to whatever room has the most light at that moment and click away.
I hope that helps Zoe!
Sharyn Dimmick says
June 4, 2012 at 5:41 pmNon-pasta meatless meals kids might like: 1)roll-your own spring rolls with rice pancakes, shredded vegetables, plum sauce 2)pizza (which can be made quickly with or tortillas or English muffins) 3) grilled cheese and soup or salad 4) breakfast for dinner: waffles, pancakes, omelets, scrambled eggs 5) quesadillas. Some kids even like make-your-own sushi made with seasoned rice, avocado, egg and nori (not me, though).
Jacquelyn Grandy says
June 4, 2012 at 7:47 pmGreat ideas Sharyn! I forget about the english muffin pizzas. That is a great lunch idea that the kids can do on their own (with my supervision, of course). They love sushi as well, but I don’t think I’m going to attempt to make it, as I have a great market down the street that the kids can walk to and buy some. I will make the spring rolls as I have seen some great recipes for them.
xo,
Jackie
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
June 4, 2012 at 4:30 pmOh I just bought that book!! I’ll have to try these they look wonderful. Don’t you just LOVE Paul!!!
Mary x
Jacquelyn Grandy says
June 4, 2012 at 7:44 pmHi Mary! Yes, I am loving his cookbook. I already made the banana bread from it and it was so moist. Have you made anything from it yet?