Homestyle Salvadoran Pupusas with Cheese and Refried Beans

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

Soft corn masa patties stuffed with melted cheese and savory refried beans, pan-cooked to golden perfection — a beloved Salvadoran street food you can make at home. This Latin American-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs masa harina (corn flour), warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina with 1/2 tsp salt, gradually adding 1 1/4 cups warm water while mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms; cover and rest for 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Divide dough into 8 equal balls, flatten each into a 4-inch disk, then spoon 2 tbsp refried beans and 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese into the center.
3. Step 3: Carefully fold the edges around the filling and flatten gently into a 5-inch thick patty, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook each pupusa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
5. Step 5: Serve warm with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) or your favorite salsa.