Authentic Mexican Tlayuda with Spiced Beans and Avocado

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crispy, oversized tortilla topped with smoky black beans, melted cheese, and a tangy lime-crema drizzle, served with pickled onions for brightness. This mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs masa harina, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 2 cups masa harina with 1/2 cup warm water and 1 tsp salt until smooth. Shape into 6-inch discs and press thinly with a rolling pin.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tlayuda for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a saucepan, sauté 1 cup cooked black beans with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro until fragrant. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp cumin.
  4. Step 4: Top each tlayuda with 1/4 cup spiced beans, 1 tbsp crumbled queso fresco, and 1/2 tbsp mashed avocado. Drizzle with a mix of 1 tbsp crema, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp chopped epazote.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Mexican Tlayuda with Spiced Beans and Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Mexican Tlayuda with Spiced Beans and Avocado?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep masa harina from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Mexican Tlayuda with Spiced Beans and Avocado?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Mexican Tlayuda with Spiced Beans and Avocado for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Mexican Tlayuda with Spiced Beans and Avocado vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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