Vegetarian Mexican recipes like plant-based tacos, bean burritos and skillets will delight everyone at the table.
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Rice and Bean Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food, but I'm always looking for ways to make it healthier. I reworked a dish that I have enjoyed in restaurants to suit my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 298 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
2/45
Guacamole
From the Recipe Creator:
Juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapeno pepper, tangy red onion and the refreshing juice from limes are mashed with creamy avocados to make a traditional and versatile guacamole dip. Put it on tacos and nachos, or pair it with plain ol' chips for an added flavor of richness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 31 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
3/45
Veggie Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 430 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein.
4/45
Chiles Rellenos
From the Recipe Creator:
These deliciously deep-fried, cheese-stuffed peppers are a classic in the Mexican cuisine. Serve it with fresh cilantro and extra Cotija. — Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 550 calories, 44g fat (19g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 1540mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
5/45
Instant Pot Black Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Instant Pot black beans are the key to a lot of my family's meals, whether for a weekend breakfast or for taco salads and burritos throughout the week. For years, I've tried to find a homemade recipe as creamy and tasty as Mexican restaurant beans. This is that recipe. —Helen Nelander, Boulder Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 203 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
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Vegan Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 345 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
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Vegetarian Taco Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful entree combines popular taco ingredients—minus the ground beef. And you won't miss the meat at all! I top each serving with a creamy guacamole dressing, crunchy corn chips and cheese. —Kimberly Dray, Pflugerville, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 486 calories, 33g fat (12g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 16g protein.
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Homemade Churros
From the Recipe Creator:
These fried cinnamon-sugar homemade churros are best when fresh and hot. Try them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Don't be surprised if people start dunking...and then go back for more.
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 122 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Veggie Fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 375 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
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Vegetarian Skillet Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether served for Meatless Monday or your family's everyday vegetarian meal, these unconventional enchiladas will leave everyone asking for more. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 307 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
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Chili con Queso
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
12/45
Lentil Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Poblano Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my all-time favorite soup—rich and creamy with just the right amount of spice to warm you up on a cold day! It's perfect garnished with sour cream, shredded cheddar and crispy tortilla strips. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 246 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
14/45
Mexican Street Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
Elote, otherwise known as Mexican street corn, is grilled, covered in mayo, and then sprinkled with chili powder, Cotija and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice is the perfect finishing touch. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear: 278 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Corn Quesadilla
From the Recipe Creator:
My cheesy corn quesadillas take only minutes going from skillet to table. They make craveable leftovers for brown-bag lunches, so pack the salsa too. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges (calculated without guacamole): 380 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
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Cheese Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't bring home leftovers when you take these easy enchiladas to a potluck. With a homemade tomato sauce and cheesy filling, they always go fast. You can substitute any type of cheese you wish. —Ashley Schackow, Defiance, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 778 calories, 42g fat (23g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 1741mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 34g protein.
17/45
Fresh Salsa Verde
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful salsa verde is delicious with tortilla chips, but it's also great served on tacos and grilled meats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 22 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
18/45
Grilled Corn Hummus Tostadas
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a combo of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, giving it a unique taste. Avocado and hummus may sound like a weird mix, but they really go together well. —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 453 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
19/45
Taco Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1369mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
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Salsa Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 232 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
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Lentil Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm constantly trying to incorporate healthy but tasty meals into our menu. Kids and adults alike love these mildly spiced burritos that combine filling lentils with crisp zucchini. —Pam Masters, Wickenburg, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 313 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Cheese Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 111 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
23/45
Corn Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful salsa is worth the extra time it takes to grill the ears of corn. The flavor goes well with barbecued meats, but it's also tasty served with chips. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 24 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
24/45
Mushroom Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 300 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
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Quinoa and Black Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
26/45
Homemade Tortillas
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually have to double this flour tortilla recipe because we go through them so quickly. The homemade tortillas are so tender and chewy, you’ll never use store-bought again after learning how to make tortillas. —Kristin Van Dyken, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 tortilla: 159 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 starch, 1 fat.
27/45
Black Bean Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
We're trying to go meatless once a week, and this dish helps make those meals fun, quick and super delicious. It's also a smart way to use up beans and canned tomatoes from your pantry. —Cynthia Nelson, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
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Black Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Black bean soup recipes are among my favorite because they're light and it most of the time don't contain meat. For this recipe, you could add lean beef or chicken for a variation. —Angee Owens, Lufkin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
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Pico de Gallo
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and versatile pico de gallo recipe is a classic for a reason. The jalapeño peppers add just the right amount of kick. Let it chill for an hour or two before serving to help the flavors blend. —Jeannie Trudell, Del Norte, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
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Poached Huevos Rancheros
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to spice things up with tempting whole eggs poached in a zesty tomato sauce. This southwestern fare is perfect for brunch. —Olga Koetting, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 197 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 233mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
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Black Bean Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat meatless meals a few times a week, so I replaced the beef with nutty brown rice to bulk up these tacos. Sometimes I also like to swap in quinoa for the rice. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 423 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 10g fiber), 17g protein.
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Mexican Street Corn Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
We discovered Mexican street corn at a festival. This easy one-pan version saves on prep and cleanup. Every August I freeze a lot of our own fresh sweet corn and then I use that in this recipe, but store-bought corn works just as well. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 391 calories, 30g fat (5g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 423mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
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Black Bean ‘n’ Corn Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
Black beans partner up with spinach and corn in these easy and satisfying quesadillas from Susan Franklin of Littleton, Colorado. —Susan Franklin, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
4 wedges: 358 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 900mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
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Farmers Market Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have from your garden: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 346 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
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Cilantro-Lime Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
My family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well with kabobs on the grill, too. —Robin Baskette, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 130 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
36/45
Lentil Taco Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My trusty muffin tin never fails to help me make fun and easy hand-held snacks. These festive vegetarian cups are always a hit with my kids; they're so flavorful, nobody misses the meat. Serve two per serving as a main dish. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco cup: 215 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
37/45
Bean Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have the ingredients for this cheesy burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before saves precious minutes at dinnertime. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 burritos: 216 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
38/45
Mango Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
Delightfully fresh and fun to prep, this juicy and vibrant salsa is a ray of sunshine in a bowl. Serve it with chips, fish tacos or grilled salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 22 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
39/45
Chiles Rellenos Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
My family requests this chiles rellenos dish regularly—it's easy to prepare and makes a nice hors d'oeuvre or complement to a Mexican or Spanish meal. A friend I worked with shared the recipe with me several years ago. —Fran Carll, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 130 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
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Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Jicama and Black Bean Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
There are so many colorful items in this black bean salad, there is no need for a garnish. The jicama adds a surprising crunch. —Jeanette Marks, Ashland, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 454mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.
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Vegan Tortilla Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Quinoa may be an unconventional ingredient, but it adds protein in this vegan tortilla soup, making it hearty enough for a main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 182 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Mexican Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I serve this make-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in one bite I'd be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 59 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Arbol Chile Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
Rehydrated dried arbol chiles add a robust kick and smokiness to this complex, vibrant salsa. Use this smooth salsa in a layered bean dip, to accompany fajitas, to top breakfast tacos or to create dishes like chilaquiles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup salsa: 10 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
45/45
Refried Bean Tostadas
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 588 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 1250mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 19g protein.
Vegetarian Mexican Recipes FAQ
What vegetarian Mexican recipes are authentic?
Many Mexican recipes are naturally vegetarian, from the chile rellenos of Puebla to elote, that cheesy grilled corn you’ll find on streets around the country. Other vegetarian Mexican foods include enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, tostadas and flautas.
Are refried beans vegetarian?
In Mexico, refried beans, or frijoles refritos, are often made with pork lard, and are not vegetarian. However, the cans of refried beans the supermarket usually come in a vegetarian version. You can also make homemade refried beans, which are equally delicious.
Is Mexican rice vegetarian?
Mexican rice is typically prepared in a tomato-infused chicken stock, but it’s as rich and savory when made with vegetarian stock.
