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Bean Tostadas (Tostadas de Frijoles) are so easy and so yummy!
For those of you unfamiliar with Mexican tostadas, they are basically open-faced tacos except the tortilla is hard and crisp.
Tostada shells are corn tortillas that when baked or fried become crunchy.
Then, they are topped with just about anything – Tinga de Pollo, Salpicon de Res, or Tostadas de Pollo.
In this case, we’re using creamy refried beans. Perfect for a light, yummy, and vegetarian Mexican lunch or quick meal.
Ingredients
Let’s discuss swap out options.
Here we’re using leftover refried beans, but you can use canned refried beans.
Pickled Onions are completely optional.
Pictured is Tomato Molcajete Salsa, or use whatever salsa you have on hand.
Monterey Jack can be swapped out for Queso Fresco or Cotija.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between a tostada and a tortilla?
A tostada is a hardened corn tortilla. It has either been fried or baked to become crunchy. Look for them wherever tortillas are sold, or buy tostadas online.
Are tostadas healthier than tortillas?
It depends on how the tostadas are made. Tostadas that have been baked are healthier than fried tostadas.
How do you store tostadas?
Place the tostada shells inside a sealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and store for up to 7 days at room temperature. Or, up to 3-4 weeks if stored in the fridge.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Smear refried beans to a tostada.
- Add the cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Since the beans are warm, the cheese will melt slightly.
If you’re using queso fresco or cotija, add the cheese at the very end.
Top with the salsa. Feel free to use any salsa you enjoy.
Salsas made in molcajetes are chunky, but others made in the blender are smooth in texture.
Mexican Salsa Recipes
- For a mild salsa, try Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde or Roasted Tomato Salsa.
- For the spicy food lover, try Chile de Arbol, Chile Piquin Salsa, or Tomatillo Habanero Salsa.
Bean Tostadas (or Tostadas de Frijol) are so satisfying and easy to put together on busy weeknights. Pile them high and enjoy!
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Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!
Bean Tostadas (or Tostadas de Frijoles)
Ingredients
- 4 tostadas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/4 head iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 tomato diced
- 1 cup Monterey Jack crumbled
- Salsa (of your choice)
- Pickled onion (optional)
Instructions
- Smear about 2 tbsp of refried beans on a tostada.
- Top with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Add salsa of your choice and pickled onions, if using.
- Repeat until there are no more tostadas.
- Serve immediately.
Maggie, I looovvvvve bean tostadas! These look sooo good – would love to have two of them right this minute. I always fry the tortillas – don’t like those hard storebought tostada shells.
I wish I had two in front of me too. 🙂
MMM… Never made this at home but think I need to!
Lauren
http://www.basicbabelauren.com
You’re going to love it!
Ooohhh yum! I definitely need to try these!
Hope you do. These are sooo yummy!
This looks so good! I really like the idea of adding avocado!
I could eat avocado for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack. Just wish they weren’t so expensive.
i love these!! my mom being from guatemala makes them with black beans though. YUM!
I lived in Tabasco, Mexico for awhile. It borders Guatemala. Black beans are a big deal in Southern Mexico too. So yummy!
This has everything I love… beans, avocados, and tomatoes. Yum!
Yummy indeed 🙂
I absolutely love bean tostadas. In fact today I drove to a nearby town to visit a HS friend. We visited and caught up over lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. I ordered a delicious tostada! Your post reminds me that I can make this flavorful meal at home. So yummy!
Fun! Love meeting up with old friends and eating good food. 🙂
These look good! I make a version of bean and cheese tostadas, but it’s really different. I’m going to have to try this version too!
I’d love to hear your version. 🙂
Ooo! These look delicious! I would love these as an after-school snack — I guess in my case — an anytime snack 🙂
LOL. You sound like me. 🙂
WOW! This is one recipe I gotta try!
Darlynne
You so should. This is a great recipe and easy too. 🙂