Description
This classic Mexican torta is everything you want in a sandwich—bold, messy, comforting, and layered with flavor. Crusty bolillo rolls are toasted and filled with juicy grilled steak, creamy refried beans, crumbled cheese, avocado, and spicy jalapeños. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, casual party, or game-day spread, this recipe brings the taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen. You’ll love the balance of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and spicy in every bite. Customizable, satisfying, and wildly delicious—this is a sandwich worth making again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bolillo rolls or telera rolls
- 1 lb thin-sliced beef steak (carne asada cut)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil for cooking
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (or shredded Oaxaca cheese)
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 large avocado, sliced or mashed
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Pickled jalapeños, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, optional
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the steak with lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper for at least 20 minutes.
- Grill or sear the steak over medium-high heat until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Slice thinly.
- Slice the rolls in half. Spread mayo or butter and toast until golden.
- On the bottom half, spread refried beans. Add avocado slices.
- Pile on the steak and sprinkle cheese.
- Layer tomato, onion, jalapeños, and lettuce.
- Spread crema on the top half of the roll and close the sandwich.
- Gently press and return to skillet for 1–2 minutes per side to warm through.
- Slice in half and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For even more flavor, marinate the meat overnight.
- Use fresh bolillo rolls for best texture.
- You can swap the steak with chicken, pork, or a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Griddle / Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg