Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Cheese

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

Golden pan-fried pupusas stuffed with creamy refried beans and melted cheese, served with tangy curtido for a balanced Salvadoran classic. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, refried beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 1/4 cups warm water. Mix with your hands until a soft dough forms, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls, about 3 oz each. Flatten each ball into a 4-inch disk.
  3. Step 3: Place 2 tbsp refried beans and 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each disk, then carefully fold edges over filling and seal, reshaping into a ball.
  4. Step 4: Gently flatten each filled ball into a 5-inch thick disk, about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
  5. Step 5: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pupusas and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy with melted cheese inside.
  6. Step 6: Remove from skillet and serve warm with 1 cup curtido on the side for a refreshing contrast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Cheese 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 Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and 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 masa harina from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and 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 Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Cheese 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 Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Cheese 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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