How to Cook Refried Beans & Eggs for Breakfast (4 Mexican Restaurant Recipes for Frijoles con Huevo)
How to Cook Refried Beans & Eggs for Breakfast (4 Mexican Restaurant Recipes for Frijoles con Huevo) is a medium Mexican-American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by ArnieTex on YouTube.
Prep: 27 min | Cook: 4 hrs 10 min | Total: 4 hrs 52 min
Cost: $11.12 total, $2.78 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pinto Beans (dry, rinsed)
- 7 cups Water (for crock‑pot cooking)
- 2 tbsp Aries Asada Charro Bean Seasoning (commercial spice blend)
- 0.33 cup Salt Pork (diced fine, about a third cup)
- 2 strips Bacon Strips (diced fine, added to beans)
- 4 tbsp Lard (rendered pork fat for frying beans and eggs)
- 2 each Eggs (large, room temperature)
- 4 each Flour Tortillas (8‑inch, soft)
- 0.5 cup Salsa (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or 1 clove fresh minced)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prepare Beans
Rinse 2 cups dry pinto beans under cold water, then place them in the crock‑pot with 7 cups water, 2 tbsp Aries Asada Charro bean seasoning, diced salt pork, and 2 diced bacon strips.
Time: PT5M
Cook Beans
Set the crock‑pot to low and cook for 3‑5 hours until beans reach a soft, tender consistency (stage one).
Time: PT4H
Season and Finish Beans
When beans are done, stir in 1 tbsp lard and let the excess liquid evaporate for 5‑7 minutes, creating a slightly drier “stage two” bean texture.
Time: PT7M
Whisk Eggs
While beans are reaching stage two, whisk 2 large eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic).
Time: PT2M
Cook First Taco – Pico & Bola Scrambled
Heat a skillet over medium, add 1 tsp lard, then add a scoop of whole beans (stage one). Pour the whisked eggs over the beans, scramble gently, ensuring every egg drop is incorporated with a spatula.
Time: PT5M
Cook Second Taco – Smashed Bean Scramble
In a clean skillet, melt 1 tsp lard, add a generous scoop of stage‑two beans, smash with the spatula, then add the remaining whisked eggs and scramble until just set.
Time: PT5M
Cook Third Taco – Stage Two Beans with Separate Scrambled Eggs
In a skillet, melt 1 tsp lard, add stage‑two beans and continue evaporating moisture for 2‑3 minutes. Transfer beans to a plate. In a second skillet, melt a little lard, pour the whisked eggs and scramble separately, then combine on the tortilla.
Time: PT6M
Cook Fourth Taco – Stage Three Beans with Over‑Easy Egg & Bacon
Heat a skillet with 1 tsp lard, add remaining stage‑two beans, add another tbsp lard and let them become very sticky (stage three). In a separate pan, melt a little lard, add 1 egg, let edges set for 30‑45 seconds, then flip gently to cook over‑easy. Place two cooked bacon strips on the tortilla, top with stage‑three beans, the over‑easy egg, and drizzle salsa verde.
Time: PT8M
Warm Tortillas
Warm each flour tortilla on a dry skillet for 20‑30 seconds per side until pliable.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Tacos
Place the prepared bean‑egg mixture onto each warm tortilla, add a spoonful of salsa, fold or roll, and serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten (flour tortilla), Not vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pinto Beans: canned pinto beans, black beans
- Instead of Water: low‑sodium chicken broth
- Instead of Aries Asada Charro Bean Seasoning: homemade chili powder mix
- Instead of Salt Pork: diced ham, pancetta
- Instead of Bacon Strips: turkey bacon
- Instead of Lard: unsalted butter, vegetable oil
- Instead of Eggs: egg substitute, silken tofu (for veg)
- Instead of Flour Tortillas: corn tortillas
- Instead of Salsa: pico de gallo, salsa verde
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh garlic
Equipment Needed
- Crock‑Pot
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Tortilla Warmer or Skillet (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking beans to the correct stage (stage one, two, three) determines texture.
- Do not over‑cook the eggs; keep them soft and moist.
- Use lard for authentic flavor and to prevent sticking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a fork instead of a whisk for quick egg beating and easier cleanup.
- For extra smoky flavor, render the bacon first, then use its grease as the lard.
- Let the cooked beans rest for a few minutes before smashing; they’ll hold together better.
Troubleshooting
Beans are too watery.
Continue cooking uncovered in the skillet with extra lard until excess liquid evaporates to reach stage two or three.
Eggs become rubbery.
Cook over medium‑low heat and remove from heat while still slightly runny; residual heat will finish cooking.
Beans stick to the pan.
Add a little more lard or use a non‑stick skillet; de‑glaze with a splash of water if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked beans in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze beans in portioned bags for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Tortillas can be kept at room temperature for 1 day in a sealed bag.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the beans a day ahead; reheat with a splash of water and a bit of lard.
- Whisked eggs can be prepared and kept refrigerated for up to 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bean and egg tacos in Mexican‑American cuisine?
Bean and egg tacos are a staple of Tex‑Mex home cooking, originating from rural Texas farms where inexpensive beans and eggs provided hearty, portable meals for field workers. They blend Mexican bean traditions with American breakfast ingredients, creating a versatile dish enjoyed at any time of day.
What are the traditional regional variations of bean and egg tacos in Texas and northern Mexico?
In West Texas, beans are often cooked with pork fat and served on flour tortillas, while northern Mexican versions may use corn tortillas, add queso fresco, and season with local chilies. Some families also incorporate chorizo or different bean varieties like black beans.
How is bean and egg taco traditionally served in West Texas farm households?
Traditionally, the tacos are assembled hot off the skillet, folded over a generous spoonful of salsa, and eaten immediately while still steaming. They are often enjoyed outdoors while working the fields, providing quick energy and comfort.
What occasions or celebrations feature bean and egg tacos in Tex‑Mex culture?
Bean and egg tacos are popular for casual gatherings, weekend brunches, and as a comforting breakfast after long workdays. They also appear at family cook‑outs and community pot‑lucks where simple, crowd‑pleasing dishes are prized.
What makes the stage‑three bean texture special in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Stage‑three beans are ultra‑sticky and caramelized, giving a rich, almost jam‑like consistency that adheres perfectly to tortillas, chalupas, or tostadas. This texture adds depth of flavor and a satisfying mouthfeel that distinguishes it from softer bean preparations.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bean and egg tacos from ArnieTex’s recipe?
Common errors include over‑cooking the beans so they become mushy, using too much heat that burns the lard, and scrambling the eggs too long which makes them dry. Also, failing to achieve the proper bean stage will change the intended texture of each taco.
Why does this recipe use lard instead of oil for cooking the beans and eggs?
Lard provides a traditional pork‑fat flavor that complements the beans and bacon, and it has a high smoke point that prevents burning while creating a silky mouthfeel. Oil lacks the authentic richness that defines Tex‑Mex farm cooking.
Can I make the bean and egg tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, the beans can be cooked a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of lard before assembling. Eggs are best cooked fresh, but scrambled eggs can be kept warm for up to 30 minutes.
What does the YouTube channel ArnieTex specialize in?
The YouTube channel ArnieTex specializes in Mexican‑American and Texas‑style barbecue recipes, focusing on hearty, farm‑inspired meals that blend traditional Mexican flavors with classic Texas cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel ArnieTex's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
ArnieTex emphasizes rustic, ingredient‑driven dishes rooted in personal farm memories, using simple equipment like crock‑pots and lard. Unlike many polished channels, ArnieTex often shares storytelling, regional spice blends, and practical tips for cooking on a budget.
Last updated: September 3, 2026




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