Bean and Cheese Tostadas

5 from 3 votes

Bean Tostada is a baked flat taco that's topped with refried beans, spinach, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, avocado cream sauce, and taco sauce. It's the perfect quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time30

Cook Time12

Total Time42

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Servings: tostadas

Author: Nisha Kapur

Equipment

Ingredients

for pico de gallo

2 cups tomatoes chopped
3/4 cup red onion chopped
1 jalapeno with seeds
1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1/3 tsp salt

for beans

1/2 tbsp avocado oil
1/2 cup red onions chopped
pinch of salt
15 ounce can organic refried pinto beans I like Trader Joe's
1/4 cup taco sauce I like Taco Bell's Hot Sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tsp taco seasoning I liked Trader Joe's

for avocado sauce

1 avocado
1 tbsp olive oil
6 tbsp water
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup cilantro
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 jalapeno with seeds
Juice of 1/2 to 1 lime

other condiments

4 cups spinach chopped
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

to assemble each tostada, you'll need

1 baked tostadas makes 12 tostadas total
1/3 cup spinach chopped
2 spoonfuls of pico de gallo
2-3 tbsp cheddar cheese shredded, add more if needed
bake in the toaster oven for 3-4 minutes at 400 degrees
drizzle of avocado cream sauce
drizzle of Taco Bell hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1 - Make the Refried Beans

Heat up a pan on medium heat, once hot, add oil, followed by red onion. Add just a pinch of salt. Saute for 3 minutes.
Add refried pinto beans - I like Trader Joe's Organic Refried Pinto Beans Salsa Style.
Add taco sauce.
Now add taco seasoning and a little water. Mix well.
Cook for a minute. Your beans are ready. Set aside.

Step 2 - Make the Pico de Gallo

Add the tomatoes, red onions, and jalapenos to a mixing bowl.
Now add fresh cilantro, juice of lime, and salt. Mix well. Set aside.

Step 3 - Make the Vegan Avocado Cream Sauce

Add all the ingredients of the avocado cream sauce to a mini food processor and blend.
This is what you should have. Taste it and adjust salt, lime juice, and spice as needed.

Step 4 - Assemble

Add warm refried beans all over a baked tostada (you may use fried as well).
Top with chopped spinach.
Top with pico de gallo.
Now top with cheddar cheese.
Bake in a toaster oven at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Keep a close eye to make sure the tostada doesn't burn.
Drizzle avocado cream sauce on top and Taco Bell Hot Sauce (or any other taco sauce you like). Enjoy your crispy bean tostadas.

Notes

Vegan option - use a non-dairy cheese.
Make Ahead Option - The refried beans, pico de gallo, and avocado cream sauce can all be made ahead of time.
Grate your sharp cheddar cheese and chop the fresh spinach.
Bake in the toaster oven until the cheese has melted, but stay close because these tostadas bake fast.

Nutrition