Baked Arepas with Black Beans and Cotija Cheese

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

Baked arepas filled with seasoned black beans and topped with crumbly Cotija cheese for a hearty, healthy Latin American meal. This latin american (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs pre-cooked white corn flour (masarepa), warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix 2 cups pre-cooked white corn flour with 1 tsp salt, then slowly add 1 1/2 cups warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms; rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into 6 equal portions and form into 4-inch diameter, 1/2-inch thick disks.
  3. Step 3: Place the arepas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush each with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each arepa and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and firm.
  5. Step 5: While arepas bake, in a small bowl mix 1 cup cooked black beans with 1/2 tsp ground cumin and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
  6. Step 6: Once arepas cool slightly, slice horizontally and fill with seasoned black beans, sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Arepas with Black Beans and Cotija Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Baked Arepas with Black Beans and Cotija Cheese?

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 warm water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Arepas with Black Beans and Cotija Cheese?

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 Baked Arepas with Black Beans and Cotija Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Baked Arepas with Black Beans and Cotija Cheese vegetarian?

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

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