Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Black Beans and Quesillo Cheese

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

Traditional Salvadoran pupusas made from masa dough stuffed with melty quesillo cheese and refried black beans, pan-fried to a golden crisp. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, refried black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina with 1/2 tsp salt and gradually add 1 1/4 cups warm water, mixing with your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls about 3 inches in diameter. Flatten each ball into a 1/4-inch thick disk.
  3. Step 3: Place 2 tbsp refried black beans and 2 tbsp shredded quesillo cheese in the center of each disk, then carefully fold the edges over the filling and flatten gently into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry each pupusa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp, pressing gently with a spatula to cook evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the skillet and let rest for 2 minutes before serving warm, optionally with curtido and tomato salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Black Beans and Quesillo Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Black Beans and Quesillo 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 Black Beans and Quesillo 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 Black Beans and Quesillo 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 Black Beans and Quesillo 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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