Start by heating a medium or large frying pan over medium to low heat. Once the pan is warmed up, add the ground beef directly to it. Stir the beef continuously, breaking it down into a soft and smooth consistency. As the beef cooks and releases its fat, carefully pour away any excess fat.

Once the ground beef is cooked, add the refried beans to the pan and mix vigorously to combine. Set the beef and bean mixture aside.

Season it with a large pinch of salt, a generous pinch of black pepper, 1 tbsp. of chili powder, and 70 ml of mild taco sauce (adjust to your preference). Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

In a separate pan, heat about 1 liter of canola or peanut oil over medium to high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough for frying, insert a wooden spoon into the oil. If the oil bubbles vigorously around the spoon, it’s ready for frying.

Place the soft corn tortillas in a stack. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the beef and bean mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Moisten half of the exposed edge of the tortilla with a little water. Press the moistened edge firmly against the dry edge to seal the taco.

If needed, use a mixture of flour and water as a glue to seal the edges.

Carefully place two sealed tacos at a time into the hot oil. Be cautious to avoid splashing. Fry the tacos for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Then, carefully flip the tacos and fry for an additional minute on the other side.

Once fried, remove the tacos from the oil and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before handling. Optionally, garnish the tacos with additional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or cheese.

Serve the crispy tacos while still warm. They’re best enjoyed with your favorite toppings and a side of extra taco sauce for dipping. Dig in and savor the delicious homemade Jack in the Box-style tacos you’ve prepared!