Tostadas de Frijoles are a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. This Mexican dish uses minimal ingredients, but is packed with protein and fiber from the refried beans. It's a healthy and delicious meatless meal that's perfect for the whole family.
Growing up in my Mexican household, one dish that was always a hit was tostadas de frijoles, or bean tostadas. They weren't fancy, but my mom, would whip them up whenever we needed something filling and fast.
They were always so good, and the secret to their amazing flavor was my mom's homemade refried beans. My mom would always pair them with avocado tostadas and her spicy jalapeño salsa for a complete meal.
This exact meal became a family tradition that I now recreate at home for my own kids and husband.
Today, I'm sharing the recipe for crispy bean tostadas. They're pretty easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
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What are Tostadas?
The term "tostada" comes from the Spanish word "tostado," which simply means "toasted." In terms of food, a tostada refers to a flat corn tortilla that has been fried or toasted until crisp. This crispy tortilla then serves as the base for a variety of toppings and fillings, similar to a taco.
Their origins likely trace back to pre-Hispanic times, where tortillas were dry-roasted on a comal (a griddle) to create a base for food. The arrival of the Spanish introduced lard and oil, leading to the development of deep-fried tostadas alongside the traditional method.
These crispy tortillas are enjoyed throughout Mexico, with variations depending on region. Coastal areas often feature seafood toppings, while other regions offer a wider variety of fillings.
To this day, tostadas continue to be a popular food, enjoyed by Mexicans at home, from street vendors, and in restaurants.
For another delicious tostada variation, this these Ground Beef Tostadas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients and are easy to make.
- Meatless Meal: These tostadas are great for those who are vegetarians or looking for a meatless option, plus a perfect option or Lent. Easily make them vegan by omitting the cheese.
- Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with protein and fiber from the refried beans, this makes a complete and delicious meal.
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: This recipe is great for the whole family! The simplicity of the tostadas allows for customization, so everyone can add their favorite toppings or even add other proteins if your prefer.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients for this recipe are typically affordable and easy to find.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Tostada Shells : Already-made tostada shells are readily available at many stores. However, making your own allows for complete control over ingredients and have such a much better flavor. Click here to learn How to Make Tostada Shells.
- Refried Beans: The stars of this meal are refried beans. To achieve perfect refried beans, homemade pinto beans are mashed and fried in a pan with a little oil until they reach a creamy consistency. Refried black beans or Peruvian beans can also be used.
- Lettuce: Use iceberg or romaine lettuce which are crisp and don't have an overpowering flavor.
- Tomato: Tomatoes add a pop of color, freshness, and a touch of sweetness. Choose ripe tomatoes that are firm, but have a little give when pressed gently or squeezed.
- Cheese: Use grated white Mexican cheese like a muenster or Chihuahua or a crumbled cheese like queso fresco or cotija.
- Salsa: Choose your favorite style, from a creamy tomatillo avocado one to a fiery serrano salsa, or my personal favorite, an easy jalapeño salsa.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Bean and Cheese Tostadas
1. Fry these Tortillas: Creating your own tostada shells is easy and taste much better than store-bought. Click here to learn How to Make Tostada Shells.
2. Prepare Refried Beans: Add cooked pinto beans to a medium skillet with hot oil and bring to a simmer. Mash with a potato masher until smooth, mix in a bit more oil, and continue cooking and mixing until slightly thickened.
3. Prepare Toppings: Shred the lettuce, dice tomatoes, crumble or shred the cheese and make your salsa.
4. Assemble Tostadas: Spread a layer of refried beans on the tostada. Garnish with toppings and serve.
How to Serve
Once assembled, serve these right away as the toppings will make the tortilla soggy.
Serve them topped with a salsa like roasted tomatillo salsa with chile de arbol or a salsa verde taquera.
What to Serve with Bean Tostadas
These tostadas can be eaten by themselves, but we've always enjoyed making a big platter of these along with a big platter of avocado tostadas.
You can also accompany them with a side dish such as Mexican white rice with corn or nopalitos and roasted red pepper salad.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover beans, toppings and tostada shells separately.
- Store refried beans in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Store leftover shredded lettuce, diced tomato and shredded cheese in small ziplock bags or air-tight containers in the refrigerator.
- As for the tostada shells, leave them on the counter in a ziplock bag or an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
Tips and Variations
- To save on time, make the refried beans beforehand. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to use.
- Refried beans should not be completely dried, but should have a creamy, velvety consistency. If the beans are too dried, just add a little bit of bean broth or water at a time until the right consistency is achieved.
- Add other toppings for added protein, such as picadillo, steak, chorizo, or chicken.
FAQ
You can if it's easier for you, but I don't recommend it since homemade refried beans have a better flavor and really make these tostadas shine.
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas for the base, these tostadas are naturally gluten-free.
Tostadas are meant to be eaten with your hands, similar to how you eat a pizza, and without the use of a fork or knife.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Recipe
Tostadas de Frijoles
Equipment
- potato masher
Ingredients
- 6 tostada shells
Refried Beans
- 2 cups cooked beans with their liquid reserve an extra ½ cup of bean liquid
- ½ cup oil (divided)
Garnishes
- 2 cups shredded lettuce either iceberg or romaine
- 2 diced Roma tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded or crumbled cheese Mexican muenster, Chihuahua, queso fresco or cotija
- 1 cup salsa
- salt to taste
Instructions
Tostada Shells
- You can buy tostada shells but making your own is easy and taste much better than store-bought. Click here to learn How to Make Tostada Shells.
Prepare Refried Beans
- Heat ¼ cup of oil in a large pan over medium-low. Carefully add cooked pinto beans and some of their liquid to the pan.
- Mix the beans with the oil and simmer for about 4 minutes.
- Use a potato masher to mash the beans until smooth, but slightly chunky. Add ¼ to ½ cup of bean broth, if needed, to make them easier to mash.
- Mix in another ¼ cup of oil and continue cooking and stirring until the beans are slightly thickened. Cover, remove from heat, and set aside.
Prepare Toppings
- Shred the lettuce, dice tomatoes, crumble or shred the cheese and make your salsa.
Assemble Tostadas
- Spread a layer of refried beans on the tostada. Garnish with toppings.
- Sprinkle with salt if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For added spice and flavor, top your tostadas with one of these salsas:
- Serve by themselves or with a side of Mexican white rice with corn or nopalitos and roasted red pepper salad.
- Check out the post Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans) for more detailed information about making are refried beans.
Priscilla
You are right, the refried beans made these tostadas so good! I made extra refried beans and tostadas so we can have these again this week.
Gemma
Hi Priscilla, thank you! So simple but so good! Refried beans are always a good choice.