Spicy Bean Egg Bake

This Mexican-inspired dish combines black beans with tomatoes and green chiles in a spiced sauce, topped with eggs that bake right in. Perfect for breakfast or dinner, it's served with warm tortillas.

Featured in Morning Meal Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:35:21 GMT
A plate of black beans topped with a fried egg and garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside warm flatbreads. Pin it
A plate of black beans topped with a fried egg and garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside warm flatbreads. | zestplate.com

I discovered this breakfast skillet on a lazy Sunday morning when regular eggs just wouldn't do. Saucy black beans rich tomatoes and perfectly runny eggs all come together in one pan. Now it's our favorite weekend breakfast but honestly we love it just as much for dinner especially on those nights when breakfast sounds perfect.

Why This Works

Everything cooks in one skillet from stove to oven making cleanup a breeze. The beans and tomatoes create this amazing sauce that the eggs nestle into getting all warm and cozy. Everyone gathers around the table with warm tortillas ready to scoop up every last bite. It's the kind of meal that makes people linger at the table just a little longer.

Your Shopping List

  • The Basics: Good olive oil sweet onion fresh garlic and tomato paste build our flavor base.
  • From The Pantry: Black beans diced tomatoes and a little can of green chilies for extra kick.
  • Fresh Stuff: Fresh eggs good ones make a difference and plenty of cilantro.
  • Special Touches: Crumbly cotija cheese warm tortillas and whatever toppings make you happy.

Let's Cook

Build Your Base
Get your skillet hot with olive oil cook those onions until they turn golden and sweet add garlic until it smells amazing.
Make The Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and spices let them toast up then add tomatoes chilies and beans let everything get thick and bubbly.
Add The Eggs
Make little wells in your sauce crack those eggs in nice and gentle nestle them down into the warm sauce.
Finish In The Oven
Pop your skillet in a 375°F oven let those eggs get just set with runny yolks about 12 minutes then top with cheese and cilantro.
A baked dish featuring eggs, black beans, and cheese, topped with fresh cilantro, served in a red casserole dish. Pin it
A baked dish featuring eggs, black beans, and cheese, topped with fresh cilantro, served in a red casserole dish. | zestplate.com

Kitchen Secrets

Keep an eye on those eggs in the oven they can go from perfect to overdone pretty quick. Want more heat? Add fresh jalapeños to your sauce or keep hot sauce nearby. Use a good oven safe skillet cast iron works like a dream here saves on dishes too.

Make It A Meal

Slice up some avocado maybe add a dollop of sour cream on top. I love setting out pickled onions lime wedges and extra hot sauce let everyone dress up their plate. A light salad with citrus dressing on the side makes it feel extra special.

Plan Ahead

Make that bean tomato base ahead of time it actually gets better after a day in the fridge. Just warm it up add fresh eggs and bake when you're ready to eat. Leftovers stay good for about 3 days though those eggs are best fresh from the oven.

Mix It Up

Try different cheeses sharp cheddar or monterey jack melt beautifully here. Sometimes I add cooked chorizo to the sauce or throw in handfuls of fresh spinach. The recipe grows with whatever you've got in your kitchen that's what makes it so perfect.

A baked dish featuring eggs, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro in a white and red dish. Pin it
A baked dish featuring eggs, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro in a white and red dish. | zestplate.com

Your Kitchen Your Rules

Add smoky paprika or ground coriander if you want more depth or brighten everything with fresh lime juice. My kids love it with extra cheese my husband adds hot sauce to everything. That's the joy of simple cooking making each dish work for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the bean base ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. Add the eggs just before baking for the best results.
→ What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese makes a good substitute for cotija. You could also use crumbled queso fresco or grated parmesan if needed.
→ How do I know when the eggs are done?
The egg whites should be completely set but yolks can be runny. Cook longer for firmer yolks. Watch closely as eggs can overcook quickly.
→ What type of tortillas work best?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Warm them slightly before serving to make them more flexible and enhance their flavor.
→ Can I add more vegetables?
Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions. Add them when sautéing the onions to ensure they cook through properly.

Black Bean and Egg Bake

A warming dish of black beans simmered with tomatoes and chiles, topped with eggs baked right in the sauce. Serve with tortillas for a complete meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Breakfast

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons olive oil.
02 3 cloves garlic, chopped.
03 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
04 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
05 1 tablespoon chili powder.
06 ½ teaspoon ground cumin.
07 ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
08 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes.
09 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chiles.
10 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained.
11 4 large eggs.
12 ¼ cup cotija cheese.
13 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro.
14 8 tortillas for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Heat oil and cook garlic and onion for 7-9 minutes until golden brown.

Step 03

Stir in tomato paste, spices, tomatoes, chiles and beans. Heat until bubbling.

Step 04

Make wells in sauce and crack eggs into them.

Step 05

Cook uncovered 15-20 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks still runny.

Step 06

Sprinkle with cheese and cilantro. Serve hot with warm tortillas.

Notes

  1. Cook eggs to your preferred doneness.
  2. Bean mixture can be made ahead.
  3. Serve right after baking for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven-safe skillet.
  • Measuring spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (from cheese).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 15 g