14 Mexican Bean Meals That Fill Bellies Without Emptying Wallets

Cooking with beans is an easy way to put dinner on the table without spending a lot of money. From quick snacks to slow-simmered stews, there is something here for any night of the week. Beans add protein and texture to every bite, making meals that stick with you. Give these a try and see how versatile beans can really be.

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Table of Contents

1 Crema de Frijol Negro (Mexican Black Bean Soup)
2 Bean Pozole (Pozole de Frijol)
3 Frijoles Puercos (Piggy Beans)
4 Molletes (Open-Faced Sandwiches)
5 Frijoles de la Olla (Pinto Beans)
6 Sopa de Frijol (Bean Soup)
7 Tostaguac (Guacamole Tostadas)
8 Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)
9 Carne En Su Jugo (Meat in its Juices)
10 Bean Tacos Dorados
11 Enfrijoladas (Bean Enchiladas)
12 Bean Tostadas
13 Refried beans (frijoles refritos)
14 Black Bean Chile Rellenos

Crema de Frijol Negro (Mexican Black Bean Soup)

Crema de Frjiol Negro served in a blue bowl and topped with queso fresco and bacon crumbles. — Crema de Frijol Negro. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Smooth and creamy black beans make the base for this rich Crema de Frijol Negro soup. A sprinkle of bacon and cheese on top adds just the right finishing touch.
Get the recipe: Crema de Frijol Negro

Bean Pozole (Pozole de Frijol)

A close-up of a bowl of Mexican pozole verde, showcasing a hearty soup made with hominy, pinto beans, and shredded cabbage. The dish is topped with sliced radishes, jalapeños, and cilantro, with a hint of lime visible on the side. A spoon rests in the bowl, ready to eat. — Bean Pozole. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This quick and wholesome Bean Pozole swaps meat for beans but keeps all the comforting flavor of the classic soup. It comes together fast with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Get Recipe: Bean Pozole

Frijoles Puercos (Piggy Beans)

A hand dipping a tortilla chip into a bowl of frijoles puercos. — Frijoles Puercos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Bold flavors and gooey melted cheese mix into refried beans for this quick and easy Frijoles Puercos snack. It is great for sharing with friends or digging into all by yourself.
Get the Recipe: Frijoles Puercos

Molletes (Open-Faced Sandwiches)

A plate with three molletes surrounded by cilantro and a decorative Mexican napkin. — Molletes. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Toasted bolillo rolls get slathered with refried beans, piled with melted cheese, and topped with fresh pico de gallo for these Molletes. They work for breakfast, lunch, or a hearty snack anytime.
Get the Recipe: Molletes

Frijoles de la Olla (Pinto Beans)

Ladle full of cooked pinto beans. — Frijoles de la Olla. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Simple and comforting, these Frijoles de la Olla are pinto beans cooked low and slow with onion and garlic. They are the perfect side dish for just about any Mexican meal.
Get the recipe: Frijoles de la Olla (Pinto Beans)

Sopa de Frijol (Bean Soup)

A spoon full of bean soup and cheese over a blue bowl full of more soup. — Sopa de Frijol. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This hearty Sopa de Frijol turns simple beans into a rich, flavorful soup with just a few ingredients. It is quick to make and perfect for when you need something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Frijol

Tostaguac (Guacamole Tostadas)

A colorful plate holds a crispy tostada topped with layers of guacamole, black beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. The vibrant ingredients create a visually appealing and appetizing dish. — Tostaguac. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A crispy tostada gets piled high with fresh, creamy guacamole for these Tostaguac. They are simple but satisfying, especially for anyone who loves avocados and crunchy tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Tostaguac

Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

A blue and white ceramic bowl filled with a hearty Frijoles Charros stew topped with sliced jalapeños is placed on a wooden surface. Fresh cilantro is visible to the side, and a spoon rests nearby, making it one of the most irresistible bacon recipes for any meal. — Frijoles Charros. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Bacon, hot dogs, and other savory meats simmer with pinto beans in this rich, flavorful Charro Beans stew. It is hearty enough to eat on its own or as a side dish for a bigger meal.
Get the recipe: Charro Beans

Carne En Su Jugo (Meat in its Juices)

Close-up of a spoon holding a spoonful of stew with chunks of meat, beans, herbs, and a golden broth. In the background, more of the same stew with visible beans and herbs can be seen in a bowl. This hearty dish is one of those recipes with bacon that adds an extra layer of smoky flavor. — Carne en su Jugo. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Tender beef cooks in a bright tomatillo broth for this Carne En Su Jugo, which translates to meat in its juices. Beans often get stirred in at the end to make it even more filling.
Get Recipe: Carne En Su Jugo

Bean Tacos Dorados

A plate of crispy tacos garnished with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, onion rings, and guacamole, set on a rustic wooden table. Slices of lime and a bowl of extra lettuce and diced tomatoes are on the side, along with fresh cilantro. — Bean Tacos Dorados. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These Bean Tacos Dorados fry up crispy and golden with a soft, savory bean filling inside. Topped with cabbage, crema, and cheese, they are hard to put down.
Get Recipe: Bean Tacos Dorados

Enfrijoladas (Bean Enchiladas)

A plate of enfrijoladas, topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro, is displayed on a wooden table. Nearby are bowls containing sliced jalapeños and crumbled cheese, with a keychain and cilantro leaves scattered alongside some pinto beans. — Enfrijoladas. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Corn tortillas get dipped in a smooth, savory bean sauce and rolled up for these Enfrijoladas. Adding crumbled cheese on top makes them a simple and delicious vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Enfrijoladas

Bean Tostadas

Crispy fried tortillas hold a layer of refried beans and all your favorite toppings for these Bean Tostadas. Lettuce, cheese, and salsa turn them into a crunchy, satisfying dinner.
Get the recipe: Bean Tostadas

Refried beans (frijoles refritos)

Refried beans topped with slice of jalapeno and crumbled queso fresco. — Refried Beans. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Smooth and creamy, these homemade Refried Beans are easy to make and way better than the canned version. They are a classic Mexican side dish that goes with just about everything.
Get the recipe: Frijoles Refritos

Black Bean Chile Rellenos

A black bean chile relleno drizzled with crema mexicana served on a white plate. — Black Bean Chile Rellenos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Roasted poblano peppers get stuffed with black beans and cheese for these Black Bean Chile Rellenos. They are a hearty, meatless option that is full of flavor and totally satisfying.
Get Recipe: Black Bean Chile Rellenos