Tlacoyos de Frijol y Queso (Bean and Cheese Masa Ovals)
Oval masa cakes stuffed with beans, griddled until speckled and golden and topped with lettuce, queso fresco and avocado salsa.
Made with Creamy avocado salsa and Refried beans (frijoles refritos). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time50 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £0.97 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mix the masa harina, salt and warm water into a soft dough. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
- 2
Divide into 8 balls. Flatten each into a disc about 8 cm across. Spoon 1 heaped tbsp of cooled refried beans into the middle.
- 3
Fold the dough up round the beans and pinch closed. Pat and shape each into an oval about 1 cm thick, sealing any cracks.
- 4
Heat a griddle or heavy pan over a medium heat and brush lightly with the oil. Cook the tlacoyos for 4 to 5 minutes each side until golden with brown speckles and cooked through.
9 min - 5
Top each tlacoyo with shredded lettuce, red onion, crumbled feta and coriander.
- 6
Spoon over your ready made creamy avocado salsa (see the base recipe) and eat while hot.
Tips
- Cool the refried beans first so they are thick and do not leak when you seal the dough.
- Wet your fingers to smooth cracks in the dough as you shape it.
- Cook over a medium heat so the masa cooks through. Too hot browns the outside while the middle stays raw.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten warm. Cool leftover plain tlacoyos and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat in a dry pan until steaming hot. They freeze for up to 2 months.
Questions
What is a tlacoyo?
A tlacoyo is an oval of blue or white masa stuffed with beans, fava beans or cheese and cooked on a griddle. It is a classic street food in Mexico City.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes. Leave out the feta or use a dairy free crumbled cheese. The rest is already vegan.
Can I use blue corn masa?
Yes. Blue corn masa harina gives the traditional colour and a nuttier flavour, and is stocked online.
More made with creamy avocado salsa
Ensalada de Carnitas con Aguacate y Pepitas (Pork and Avocado Salad)
GFDFEFTostadas Mixtas de Pollo y Camarón (Surf and Turf Tostadas)
GFDFEFPlato de Arroz Rojo, Frijoles y Plátano Frito (Rice, Beans and Fried Plantain Plate)
GFDFEFFlautas de Papa al Adobo (Crispy Potato Flautas)
GFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.