Pan-Fried Tlacoyos Filled with Refried Pinto Beans and Queso Oaxaca
Oval-shaped corn masa patties stuffed with creamy refried pinto beans and melted queso Oaxaca, gently pan-fried to golden perfection and garnished with nopales salad. This mexican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, salt 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup refried pinto beans
- 6 oz shredded queso Oaxaca
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup (see note) nopales salad
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 1 tsp salt, and gradually add 1 1/4 cups warm water, mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms that doesn’t crack when pressed.
- Step 2: Divide dough into 8 equal portions and flatten each into a 4-inch oval. Spoon 2 tbsp refried pinto beans and 1 tbsp shredded queso Oaxaca onto the center of each oval, folding edges over to seal and reshape into an oval.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each tlacoyo for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until golden brown and cheese inside is melted.
- Step 4: Remove from skillet and drain briefly on paper towels. Serve topped with 1 cup nopales salad and lime wedges to squeeze over for a tangy finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Tlacoyos Filled with Refried Pinto Beans and Queso Oaxaca 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 Tlacoyos Filled with Refried Pinto Beans and Queso Oaxaca?
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 Tlacoyos Filled with Refried Pinto Beans and Queso Oaxaca?
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 Tlacoyos Filled with Refried Pinto Beans and Queso Oaxaca 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.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Tlacoyos Filled with Refried Pinto Beans and Queso Oaxaca?
Mexican vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
