Tacos

Tacos De Frijoles

Name: Tacos De Frijoles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried pinto beans, rinsed and drained; 2 medium onions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 dried Anaheim chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cups vegetable broth

By Zadie Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Tacos

Prep20 min

Cook60 min

Total80 min

Serves6

As a second-generation Mexican-American, I grew up with the delicious flavors of my grandmother's cooking, and one of my favorite dishes was always her Tacos De Frijoles. The smell of toasted chiles, the taste of tender beans, and the sound of sizzling tortillas on the comal all bring back warm memories of family gatherings and celebrations.

Today, I'm excited to share my own recipe for Tacos De Frijoles, a dish that's easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any day of the week. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy meal or a foodie looking to explore the flavors of Mexico, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

So, let's get started! To make Tacos De Frijoles, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including dried beans, onions, garlic, and chiles. You'll also need some basic kitchen equipment, like a large pot, a blender, and a comal or skillet.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's so versatile. You can customize your tacos with your favorite toppings, from diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce to sliced avocado and sour cream. And, if you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, this recipe is perfect - just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

No matter how you choose to customize your Tacos De Frijoles, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It's a taste of my heritage, a celebration of the flavors and traditions of Mexico, and a delicious meal that's sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as it's free from animal products.
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and make it your own.
It's a delicious and flavorful meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
It's a great way to explore the flavors and traditions of Mexico and learn about the country's rich culinary heritage.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Tacos De Frijoles is all about building layers of flavor. First, you'll start by toasting the chiles and onions on the comal or in a dry skillet, which brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Then, you'll blend the toasted chiles and onions with garlic and broth to create a rich and savory sauce.

Next, you'll add the dried beans to the pot and cook them until they're tender and creamy. This is where the magic happens - the beans absorb all the flavors of the sauce and become infused with the delicious taste of the chiles and onions.

Finally, you'll warm the tortillas on the comal or in a dry skillet, which gives them a nice char and a soft, pliable texture. Then, you'll assemble the tacos by spooning the bean mixture onto a tortilla and topping it with your favorite ingredients.

The result is a dish that's full of flavor, texture, and love. The toasted chiles and onions add a deep, smoky flavor, while the beans provide a creamy and comforting base. And, with all the toppings and customizations you can add, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Tacos De Frijoles, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including dried beans, onions, garlic, and chiles. You'll also need some basic kitchen equipment, like a large pot, a blender, and a comal or skillet.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality dried beans, such as pinto or black beans, and fresh chiles, such as Anaheim or jalapeno. You'll also want to choose a good quality broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, to add depth and flavor to the dish.

1 cup dried pinto beans, rinsed and drainedDried pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and provide a creamy and comforting base for the tacos. Be sure to rinse and drain the beans before cooking to remove any impurities.
2 medium onions, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish and are a key component of the toasted chile and onion sauce. Be sure to chop the onions finely so they cook evenly.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish and is a key component of the toasted chile and onion sauce. Be sure to mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly throughout the sauce.
2 dried Anaheim chiles, stemmed and seededDried Anaheim chiles add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish and are a key component of the toasted chile and onion sauce. Be sure to stem and seed the chiles before toasting to remove any bitter flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cuminGround cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish and is a common spice in Mexican cuisine. Be sure to use high-quality ground cumin for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon paprikaPaprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dish and is a common spice in Mexican cuisine. Be sure to use high-quality paprika for the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the dish and is a key component of the toasted chile and onion sauce. Be sure to use high-quality salt for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and aromatic flavor to the dish and is a key component of the toasted chile and onion sauce. Be sure to use high-quality black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilVegetable oil is used to toast the chiles and onions and adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Be sure to use high-quality vegetable oil for the best flavor.
4 cups vegetable brothVegetable broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish and is a key component of the toasted chile and onion sauce. Be sure to use high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot with a lidComal or dry skilletBlender or food processorInstant-read thermometerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Tacos De Frijoles

1
Rinse the dried pinto beans and pick out any debris or stones. Drain and set aside.
2
Chop the onions and mince the garlic. Set aside.
3
Toast the dried Anaheim chiles on the comal or in a dry skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until fragrant and slightly puffed, about 5 minutes.
4
Remove the toasted chiles from the heat and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, stem and seed the chiles and chop into small pieces. Set aside.
5
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
6
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
7
Add the toasted chile pieces, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
8
Add the dried pinto beans, vegetable broth, and remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.
9
Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the bean mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can mash the beans with a potato masher or a fork for a chunkier texture.
10
Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
11
Assemble the tacos by spooning the bean mixture onto a tortilla and topping with your favorite ingredients, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced avocado.
12
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Use high-quality dried beans for the best flavor and texture.
Toast the chiles and onions until fragrant and slightly puffed for the best flavor.
Use a comal or dry skillet to toast the chiles and onions for the best flavor and texture.
Let the bean mixture simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the bean mixture for a smooth texture.
Warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos for the best flavor and texture.
Customize the tacos with your favorite toppings for a delicious and personalized meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the chiles and onions until fragrant and slightly puffed, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Not cooking the bean mixture for at least an hour, which can result in undercooked beans and a lack of flavor.
Not using high-quality dried beans, which can result in a poor flavor and texture.
Not warming the tortillas before assembling the tacos, which can result in a cold and stiff tortilla.
Not customizing the tacos with your favorite toppings, which can result in a boring and unappetizing meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced ham or bacon to the bean mixture for a smoky and savory flavor.
Use different types of dried beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add diced tomatoes or roasted vegetables to the bean mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of chiles, such as jalapeno or serrano, for a spicy and bold flavor.
Add a sprinkle of queso fresco or feta cheese to the tacos for a tangy and creamy flavor.
Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice or roasted vegetables for a filling and satisfying meal.

What to Serve With Tacos De Frijoles

Tacos De Frijoles are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Some popular options include diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, sour cream, and salsa. You can also serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

For a more substantial meal, you can add some protein to the tacos, such as cooked chicken, steak, or carnitas. You can also add some heat to the dish by using spicy chiles or adding a dash of hot sauce.

Serve with diced tomatoes and shredded lettuceServe with sliced avocado and sour creamServe with a side of Mexican rice or roasted vegetablesServe with a simple green saladAdd cooked chicken, steak, or carnitas for a more substantial meal

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Tacos De Frijoles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the bean mixture cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply microwave the bean mixture until warm, then assemble the tacos with your favorite toppings. You can also reheat the bean mixture on the stovetop or in the oven, then assemble the tacos.

It's also a good idea to store the tortillas separately from the bean mixture to keep them fresh. You can store the tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

When reheating the tacos, be sure to warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. This will help to restore the tortillas to their original texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of dried beans should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of dried bean, such as pinto, black, or kidney beans. However, pinto beans are the most traditional and commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

While canned beans can be used, they will not have the same texture and flavor as dried beans. Dried beans are also generally cheaper and more nutritious than canned beans.

How do I toast the chiles and onions?

To toast the chiles and onions, simply place them on a comal or dry skillet over medium heat and cook, turning frequently, until fragrant and slightly puffed.

Can I add other ingredients to the bean mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the bean mixture, such as diced ham or bacon, diced tomatoes, or roasted vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.

How do I warm the tortillas?

To warm the tortillas, simply wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also warm them on a comal or dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the bean mixture and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, then assemble the tacos when you're ready to serve.

Can I freeze the tacos?

Yes, you can freeze the tacos. Simply assemble the tacos, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen tacos to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat the tacos?

To reheat the tacos, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. You can also reheat them on the stovetop in a pan with a little bit of oil.

The Full Recipe

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