Mexican Chilli Bean Tortilla Recipe
Introduction
This Mexican chilli bean tortilla recipe is a vibrant and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with flavorful beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying wrap. Whether you keep it vegetarian or add your favorite protein, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 x 420g cans pinto or kidney beans, drained
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 large courgette, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp roughly chopped coriander leaves
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- ½ iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 mini cucumber, cut lengthways into very thin slices using a potato peeler
- 180ml tub soured cream and chive dip
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the chopped onion for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add one can of drained beans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, mashing them into the onions with a fork or masher to create a rough paste.
- Step 3: Stir in the remaining can of beans, chopped tomatoes, diced courgette, smoked paprika, and 5 tablespoons of water.
- Step 4: Cover the pan and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and becomes pulpy.
- Step 5: Season the mixture with lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste, then fold in the chopped coriander leaves.
- Step 6: Warm the tortillas in a dry frying pan until soft and pliable.
- Step 7: Lay out the warm tortillas and top with the chilli bean mixture, shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, and a spoonful of soured cream and chive dip.
- Step 8: Serve immediately and invite everyone to fill, roll, and enjoy their own tortillas.
Tips & Variations
- For a meaty twist, add shredded cooked chicken or thinly sliced beef to the onion and bean mixture.
- Keep it vegetarian by frying a handful of Quorn mince with the onions instead of meat.
- Try adding extra spices like cumin or chili powder for a bit more heat.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Storage
Store any leftover chilli bean mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Tortillas are best eaten fresh but can be wrapped in foil and warmed in a low oven if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes, canned chopped tomatoes work well as a convenient substitute and add great flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding chopped fresh chili or a pinch of chili powder will increase the heat. Adjust to your taste to keep it comfortable yet flavorful.
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Mexican Chilli Bean Tortilla Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tortillas (serves 4) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican chilli bean tortilla recipe offers a vibrant and hearty vegetarian meal featuring a smoky, thick bean and vegetable chilli served with warm tortillas and fresh accompaniments. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines tender beans, diced courgette, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic spices, topped with crunchy iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced cucumber, and a creamy soured cream and chive dip.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 x 420g cans pinto or kidney beans, drained
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 large courgette, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp roughly chopped coriander leaves
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- ½ iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 mini cucumber, cut lengthways into very thin slices using a potato peeler
- 180ml tub soured cream and chive dip
Optional Additions
- Shredded cooked chicken or thinly sliced beef (for a non-vegetarian version)
- A handful of Quorn mince (for extra vegetarian protein)
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Mash first can of beans: Add one drained can of beans to the pan and heat for 2-3 minutes, mashing the beans with a fork or masher to create a rough paste mixed with the onions and garlic.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer: Stir in the second can of beans, chopped ripe tomatoes, diced courgette, smoked paprika, and 5 tablespoons of water. Cover the pan and gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and becomes pulpy.
- Season and add herbs: Season the chilli bean mixture to taste with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped coriander leaves just before finishing cooking.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour or corn tortillas in a dry frying pan until warm and pliable.
- Assemble and serve: Lay the warm tortillas out and spoon the chilli bean mixture onto each. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced cucumber, and a dollop of soured cream and chive dip. Encourage everyone to fill, roll, and enjoy their tortillas.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding shredded cooked chicken or thinly sliced beef for non-vegetarian options.
- For a vegetarian protein boost, fry a handful of Quorn mince with the onions.
- Using corn tortillas makes this dish gluten-free; however, check soured cream dip ingredients if strict gluten-free is required.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika or add chili powder if you prefer more heat.
- Leftover chilli bean mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for another meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican, chilli, beans, tortilla, vegetarian, quick dinner, healthy, stovetop cooking

