Vegetarian Tostadas

You'll love these Mexican inspired Vegetarian Tostadas! This version is easy to make and is great weeknight recipe idea when you need dinner fast! Made with refried and black beans, this dish is kid and family friendly!

Why You'll love it

It's quick and easy! This is one of the easiest recipes on the blog. This quick meal comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish. It's perfect on those busy weeknights when you just don't have the energy to cook a complicated meal, but you want something tasty that the whole family will enjoy. It's often requested at my house!

It's made with easy to find fresh and pantry ingredients! Whether you make homemade refried beans or buy the canned stuff, you won't have any trouble finding these readily available items. Pre- made tostada shells are usually kept in the tortilla section of the store. I have also seen them in the "Mexican/Hispanic Foods" or "Global Foods" isle, depending on the store.

It's got great Mexican inspired flavor that's customizable! This recipe is loaded with beans and cheese, but you can choose whatever topping you like. I love fresh jalepeño, but you may like pickled instead. Choose guacamole or sliced avocado-it's up to you. I like to set several toppings out and let everyone "build" their tostada their way.

It's the perfect vegetarian option to add to your meatless dinner rotation. We've all heard how healthy it is to have mealtless meals as often as possible. These Vegetarian Tostadas are a great choice because the beans are a nice way to add some plant based protein to your diet. If you want to know more about the health benefits of beans, check out this info from the American Heart Association.

Ingredients

Step by Step Instructions

Gather your ingredients. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and set to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.

Add 2 tablespoons of Easy Taco Seasoning (or store bought) to the refried beans. Mix until well combined.

Spread about 3 tablespoons of refried beans on each tostada shell. Top the beans with ¼ cup black beans.

Top the black beans with ¼ cup shredded cheese. Broil for about 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on the tostadas to be sure they don't burn!

Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, this Taco Sauce, this Blender Salsa, or this Easy Homemade Mexican Guacamole! 

Expert Tips

This recipe is practically foolproof! Just keep a careful eye on the tostadas as they bake so they don't burn.

You can use the microwave to melt the cheese instead of the broiler. I loosely cover the tostado with plastic wrap to keep the beans and cheese from splattering.

Step out of your comfort zone and try a Mexican cheese instead of cheddar! Asadero and Oaxaca are great white melting cheeses. There's also Cotija and Queso Fresco, which are semi-soft and crumbly. Queso Fresco is usually milder than Cotija. You can bake the tostadas with or without the cheese. Just note that the Cotija and Queso Fresco won't melt, but it will soften.

To make a quick Mexican Creama: mix about ½ cup of sour cream with the juice of ½ to 1 lime. Stir well then drizzle over tostadas!

Vegetarian Tostadas are best served immediately. Note that the shell will get a bit soggy if left standing too long.

Why not add these Vegetarian Tostadas to your Taco Tuesday dinner plans?

More Easy Recipes

Mexican Pasta Salad

Beef Burritos

Instant Pot Mexican Beans

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

📖 Recipe