Black Bean Tostadas

These black bean tostadas are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. They're made with canned refried beans, corn tortillas, queso fresco, lettuce, and Mexican crema. On top of being healthy and light, they are ready in less than 30 minutes. 

If you ask me what my all-time favorite comfort food is, my answer will always be "tostadas!" I love corn tostadas, and this version with creamy black beans is the perfect representation of a meal that makes me feel close to my family in Mexico.

Since I left my hometown, tostadas have been my meal of choice when I miss my mom or when the day is gloomy. Also, when I want something quick, easy, and really yummy to eat. Corn tostadas come to my rescue!

Why You'll Love These Black Bean Tostadas

These creamy black bean tostadas are the perfect pick-me-up midweek dinner or lunch. The creaminess of the flavorful beans pairs nicely with the crunchy golden corn tortillas; top them with crumbled queso fresco, lettuce, and Mexican crema.

Often in Mexico, they are eaten on their own if you are trying to eat a light lunch or as part of a bigger meal paired with other delicious Mexican classics like pork tamales, enchiladas, or tacos.

My Version Of Black Bean Tostadas

For these tostadas, I'm using organic canned black beans from Kroger. I like to have a couple of canned beans in the pantry for those days when I don't have some of my own home-cooked black beans in the freezer.

These canned ones from Kroger are still very flavorful! You actually do not need to add too much to a tostada to make them taste good.

You have the option to make your own tostadas or buy the ready-made store one. Here on the blog, I have the recipe to make them in the oven, but this time I decided to make my own by frying up corn tortillas in a frying pan!

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Bean Tostadas

Before I share my recipe, here are a few questions I've been asked about homemade tostadas.

Are tostadas healthy for you? 

Some tostadas can be healthier depending on their ingredients and if the tortilla is baked or fried. Some people prefer frying the tortillas even though this adds extra calories to the recipe. But if you are watching your calorie and fat intake consider placing the corn tortillas on a baking sheet and baking for about 5 minutes in your oven. 

Is a tostada like a taco?

They are similar, except that a tostada is flat while tacos are usually folded in half. Also, tostadas are usually fried and crispy, like a hard, crispy taco shell.

Can I add meat to these tostadas?

Yes! If you want to add a different protein to your tostadas, I have a few different tostada recipes on the blog using meat, like:

• Shredded beef
• Shredded chicken tostadas
• Chicken tinga tostadas
• Canned tuna ceviche tostadas

What are some other vegetarian toppings?

If you want vegetarian toppings for your Meatless Monday, you can top them with sauteed mushrooms and roasted poblano peppers.

I have also even seen jackfruit, hummus, and tofu tostadas as vegan options!

Why are my tostadas soggy?

The secret to a crisp, crunchy, and golden tostada is the temperature of the oil. Make sure the oil is not too cold, the tortilla will be soggy or too hot, or the tortilla will cook unevenly. Instead, try medium heat, and if you have a cooking thermometer, aim for 170C/340F-180C/350F.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

For those of you that have little time to cook, this is a fantastic meal that you can prepare ahead of time. You can make each component separately and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for when you want to make them.

It's a great meal prep dish!

How to Make Black Bean Tostadas

Here is a list of ingredients you'll need to make this delicious meal...

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• White onion (diced)
• Simple True Organic Black Beans
• Epazote leaves (optional)
• Salt
• Corn tortillas
• Shredded lettuce
• Queso fresco (crumbled)
• Mexican crema (or sour cream)

Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

For tostada toppings:

This dish is super versatile, and the classic toppings (besides the beans) are shredded beef or chicken; plus:

• Lettuce (or cabbage)
• Tomato and onion slices
• Pickled carrots
• Cheese
• Crema
• Avocado

Cooking tips:

• Refried black beans also taste ridiculously good when fried in lard or butter!
• This amount will render enough creamy black beans for these tostadas, and you will have about one cup leftover to use with other dishes.
• Although I don't usually add garlic or cumin when friend the beans, you can add a pinch of garlic powder if you like that flavor in your beans. Cumin is not very when cooking black beans.

Instructions

To make things easier for you, I will break down the directions to make black bean tostadas into sections.

Make creamy black beans

• Open the canned black beans and drain. Make sure to reserve a cup of the liquid for later.
• Add the beans and the reserved liquid to your blender and puree until you have a very creamy and smooth texture. 

Note: You can always use a wooden spoon or potato smasher to smash your black beans if you prefer your beans with a chunky texture.  

• Set aside.
• Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet and stir in the chopped onion. Simmer until transparent, about 2 minutes.
• Add the black bean mixture and the epazote leaves if using.
• Cook for 5 minutes until warm, stirring frequently.
• Season with salt and set aside.

Tip: Do not let the bean mixture dry! Once the beans are warm, remove the skillet from the heat.

Fry the corn tortillas

• Pour one cup of vegetable oil into a large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the corn tortillas, frying them one by one until they are crispy and golden brown. This will take about 1-½ minutes.
• Place the fried tortillas on a plate covered with paper towels to drain any excess oil and set aside.

Assemble the tostadas

• Spread 2 tablespoons of the creamy black beans over each tostada.
• Evenly top with the shredded lettuce, sprinkle with the crumbled queso fresco, and drizzle with Mexican crema.
• Add your favorite salsa and enjoy immediately!

What Pairs Well with Black Bean Tostadas

These black bean tostadas are delicious on their own. But if you want to make it a whole dinner, consider serving it with a side of easy red rice and chunky guacamole.

My favorite salsa to drizzle over the top of the tostadas is this Fresh Tomatillo Salsa or this chile de arbol salsa for a spicy kick! 

More Authentic Mexican Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe for tostadas, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

• Creamy Black Bean Soup
• Mexican Squash With Cheese
• Vegetable Garden Soup
• Squash Blossoms Quesadillas
• Mexican Corn On The Cob (Elote)

I hope you make these black bean tostadas! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

¡Buen provecho!

Mely

📖 Recipe