This is one of the variations of our baked tostada base recipe as seen in our Whole Life Meal Plan. These cheese tostadas with non-refried beans come together in less than 15 minutes and will please even the pickiest eaters!
Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Vegetarian Tostada Recipe
If you don’t have low-sodium canned beans, drain and rinse your beans to remove excess salt.
You can also use beans that have been cooked from dried. Use our stovetop dried beans base recipe or Instant Pot dried beans base recipe as a guide.
The flavor of the “refried beans” is dependent on the salsa, so buy one that you enjoy and is appropriately mild or spicy for your taste.
When heating the beans with the salsa, be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If you prefer smoother beans, use an immersion blender or regular stand blender.
Don’t want to turn your oven on? No problem! You can easily crisp up the tortillas by placing them one at a time on a paper towel or microwave-safe plate, then microwaving for 1 minute on each side. Smaller tortillas cook faster, so use your first tortilla as your “test” tortilla, then adjust microwave times from there. Different microwaves produce different results, so just be sure to watch the first one carefully so it doesn’t burn; sometimes 30 seconds is enough time for the second side.
Don’t want to turn your stovetop on? No problem! Place the beans and salsa in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Heat through and mash to desired consistency.
Between these two alternative cooking methods, you can make this mess-free recipe anywhere that has a microwave! How’s that for an easy workplace lunch?!
This is a great recipe for kids to help make. They love mashing, mixing, and assembling!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Corn Tortillas: you can use whole wheat tortillas, but they don’t crisp up as well in the oven or microwave. If using whole wheat tortillas, consider simply warming them and making a burrito or tacos instead.
- Canola Oil: substitute avocado or olive oil. Pan spray will also work; lightly spray the tortillas on both sides.
- Black Beans: we think that pinto beans make the best substitution, but use whatever kind of beans sound good to you! You can also use beans cooked from dried. A 15-ounce can contains ~ 1 ½ cups drained beans, so you will need 3 cups total.
- Salsa: use any flavor of salsa. Fire-roasted and chipotle salsas add smokiness, whereas mango and peach salsas add a touch of sweetness. Choose a spice level that suits your preferences.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: substitute a Mexican cheese blend, pepper jack, mozzarella, asadero, or another cheese that melts well and compliments the flavors.
Recipe Variations
Want to make vegan tostadas? Simply leave off the cheese, or use a plant-based cheese instead.
Want to add a protein boost? Add some shredded chicken or beef and mushroom taco meat.
Need some baked tostada inspiration?
Use our base recipe as a guide, or check out our other tostada variations!
Equipment Recommendations
Use these kitchen tools for recipe success!
Are Tostadas Healthy?
These black bean cheese tostadas are! They are packed with nutrients needed for a healthy plate and a healthy body. The featured ingredients in this bean tostada recipe are whole grain corn tortillas, beans, and salsa.
Whole Grain Corn Tortillas
Whole grains contain B vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber. These nutrients provide your body with energy, promote satiety, and regulate digestion. Avoid corn tortillas with excessive additives; choose varieties with minimal ingredients: corn, water, lime, and salt.
Beans
Beans of all varieties contain plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are an important part of a plant-forward diet. These nutrients promote gut health, decrease risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and promote a healthy weight. All of the world’s longest lived populations consume beans daily.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a phytochemical that helps protect against heart disease and prostate cancer. (1, 2) Canned and/or cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene than their fresh counterparts. (3)
Serving Suggestions for Cheese Tostadas
We recommend serving bean and cheese tostadas with roasted vegetables, a side salad, and/or some fresh fruit to create a balanced meal.
Once you are ready to eat, serve extra toppings family-style and let everyone customize their tostadas to THEIR taste!
How to Store Black Bean Tostadas
Store the bean spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Use extra bean spread as a dip for veggies, crackers, or chips or as a tasty filling in wraps or burritos.
Store leftover baked tostada shells in a bag or container at room temperature.
Want more easy plant-forward recipes?
Try out these tried and true favorites!
Easy Coconut Curry Base Recipe
One Pan Mexican Quinoa Skillet with Black Beans
Cheese Tostadas with Non-Refried Beans
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 2, 15-ounce cans low-sodium black beans, drained
- 1 cup salsa (any flavor)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Hot sauce or salsa
- Lime juice
- Lime crema, plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425° F. Lay tortillas on a cookie sheet in a single layer (do not overlap). Using 1 teaspoon of oil and a pastry brush, brush both sides of each tortilla. Bake 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.*
- Place beans and salsa in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until mixture begins to simmer and beans are heated through, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and use a fork or potato masher to mash beans to the consistency of refried beans. Add salt & pepper to taste.**
- Build tostadas by spreading a layer of beans on each shell and then sprinkling with cheese. Add optional garnishes to taste. Enjoy!
