Bean and Cheese Tostadas

Bean and Cheese Tostadas

Tostadas are similar to bean burritos, but cooked open-face under a broiler rather than rolled up. Try bean and cheese tostadas for a delicious, easy meal!

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I’ve always been a fan of refried beans. But I usually only eat them in Taco Dip or making simple bean burritos. I found a recipe on the 100 Days of Real Food website for tostadas with chicken, but we weren’t wanting meat the night we came up with this recipe. Usually, though, I love the recipes on there and still want to try them with chicken one day. But it hasn’t happened yet since we love the bean and cheese tostadas.

I searched online for other recipes for tostadas since it was something I had never had before this. Of course, everyone makes them slightly different. So I used the elements I liked from a few and started cooking.

Refried beans are basically a staple in my pantry so I knew I wanted to use those. We had some small taco shells from another meal, so we used those as the base. Then I started building from there.

When I know we have these on the meal plan for the week, I buy corn tortillas for the base because they cook better and are a healthier option. I tried making my own refried beans once and it was an epic fail, so I like to get the Old El Paso brand of beans whenever I need them. But don’t buy the fat-free ones, they have no flavor!

Bean and cheese tostadas are a great weeknight meal because they are quick and easy to make, and you can prepare just the amount you need. Also, since there isn’t any meat to get out, it’s perfect for nights when you haven’t planned anything and don’t have to wait for the meat to thaw. There isn’t a long prep time, meaning dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes.

We’ve made these with both white onion and red onion. They are both good but give a slightly different flavor so you can decide which you would rather have. And that’s what I like about this recipe: everyone can make their own to their tastes. My boys don’t like all of the toppings. I don’t like a lot of onion. Justin doesn’t put sour cream on his. 

We like to serve ours with a refreshing drink such as Strawberry Mojitos or Spiked Agua Fresca. They have also become our go-to for a quick and easy Cinco de Mayo dinner, especially if we have friends over.

Bean and Cheese Tostadas Step by Step

Ingredients

  • 12 flour tortilla shells (small)
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cilantro
  • 1 1/2 cups monterey jack cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tsp Lime juice
  • 1/2 onion (chopped)
  • 3 avocados (diced)
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

Preparation

You’ll want the oven at a high temperature so preheat it to 400F. Place the tortillas on a lightly greased baking sheet or baking stone and spread some refried beans out on each of them. I use about a spoonful or two for each, depending on the size of the tortillas and how many I am making.

Corn tortillas on a baking stone covered with refried beans

Sprinkle some of the seasonings on top of the beans. Add a squirt of lime juice to each tostada.

Corn tortillas on a baking stone covered with refried beans and seasonings

Cover with cheese.

Corn tortillas on a baking stone topped with refried beans and shredded cheese

Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Remove the tostadas from the oven and top with onion, avocados, and sour cream as desired.

Bean and Cheese Tostadas

Recipe

Originally Published On: August 1, 2016

Last Updated On: July 27, 2023

Bean and Cheese Tostadas on a dark granite surface with lime pieces around them

Bean and Cheese Tostadas

Tostadas are similar to bean burritos, but cooked open-face under a broiler rather than rolled up. Try bean and cheese tostadas for a delicious, easy meal!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course:
Main Dish
Cuisine:
Mexican
Keyword:
beans
|
cheese
|
refried beans
Servings: 12 each
5 from 9 votes

Ingredients

  • 12 flour tortilla shells (small)
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cilantro
  • 1 1/2 cups monterey jack cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tsp Lime juice
  • 1/2 onion (chopped)
  • 3 avocados (diced)
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400F
  • Place tortillas on lightly greased baking sheet
  • Spread each tortilla with beans
  • Sprinkle seasonings on beans, as desired
  • Top with cheese and a small amount of lime juice
  • Bake for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted
  • Add additional toppings, such as onion, avocado, sour cream, etc.
  • Serve warm
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Nutrition Facts
Bean and Cheese Tostadas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 244 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 13mg4%
Sodium 410mg17%
Potassium 315mg9%
Carbohydrates 22g7%
Fiber 5g20%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 280IU6%
Vitamin C 5.6mg7%
Calcium 155mg16%
Iron 1.7mg9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

54 thoughts on “Bean and Cheese Tostadas”

  1. I know that I’ve said it before, but I love the way you come up with your recipes. It’s how real people cook!! I’m constantly going to pinterest trying to find a new meal to make and end up modifying it by what is already in my cupboard and what my family will or won’t eat.

    1. I don’t know if I’ve ever made a recipe exactly to the letter. There’s either something we won’t eat, don’t have, need to sub, whatever. Sometimes I just forget an ingredient or step and just go with it!

  2. Great recipe! I had never thought to make tostadas like this (I only know how to make them this one way that my former roommate Ana, a native of south TX, used to make them, but it never dawned on me that one could make them OTHER ways – duh!). Will have to try them sometime! 🙂

    1. Isn’t it funny how that happens sometimes? I’ve done that before, only known one way to make something and never thought to change it up until I see someone else do it.

      1. Will be so yummy when we finally get to try them! (Just have to remember to put an avocado on the shopping list for the next time one of us ventures out, and hope and pray the store shelves aren’t bare LOL…)

  3. that sounds like a great dish to serve with friends around the table. I will have to bookmark this recipe and throw a get together soon. thank you!

  4. This food looks new from me. I will try to make it my own Bean and Cheese Tostadas someday thanks for sharing your special recipe 🙂

  5. This looks like a great light meal. I love that you made it without the chicken because it feels lighter. My guy would probably prefer it with the chicken though haha. I love refried beans but I never thought of actually buying them. It sounds like a great staple to have. Until now I just got regular beans but refried are better 🙂

  6. 5 stars
    They are such a fun meal. I know I would love this. It’s sad my daughter doesn’t like refried beans though. I keep trying though. Who doesn’t love some beans and cheese?

  7. 5 stars
    I’ve never heard of tostadas, but it sure looks tasty! I love that the toppings can be customized to each person taste.

    1. We have a lot of food like this since we are in Texas so get a lot of Mexican influence in our food here. I love meals that can be custom for each person since each one of us likes something a little different.

  8. Oh my word! This looks like it would be so delicious. I definitely need these in my life – like yesterday!

  9. I find this recipe very interesting. I don’t think I currently have all the ingredients… So, I’ll have to wait before trying it at home.

    1. Sadly, I’ve been doing the same with so many delicious recipes I’ve seen lately, too. I pin and bookmark and save for my next grocery delivery order right now.

  10. Melanie williams

    YES!!! these look fab. I love Avocado and beans so these I will be giving a go this weekend for sure. They look well good xx

  11. Oh these sound REALLY good. I have been so bored with our dinners lately and wanting some new stuff. THis is perfect!

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