Black Bean Tostadas

I like to think of tostadas as a kitchen clean-out meal. When I have random odds and ends left in my fridge and pantry, tostadas are one of my favorite easy meals that use a variety of different ingredients that can be customized to everyone’s preferences.

For this recipe, I used a simple and budget-friendly black bean mixture packed with smoky chipotle flavor, but you can pile on other toppings and proteins. I also used store-bought baked tostada shells to make this super quick, but you can also make your own using my homemade tostada shells recipe.

Here’s more about why I love this recipe:

• It’s budget-friendly. A couple of inexpensive pantry staple ingredients like black beans, chipotle peppers, seasonings, and onions come together to give you a black bean topping that’s packed with flavor. 
• Quick and easy. This meal comes together in 20 minutes. It doesn’t get much easier than that! 
• Pile on the toppings. Use any and all of your favorite toppings and whatever you have on hand. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pico de gallo, guacamole, black olives, sour cream, shredded cheese. The list is endless! 

Ingredients Needed

This is an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe, please scroll down to the bottom of the post.

• Black beans: A simple can of black beans keeps this recipe simple and budget-friendly. I like to use a low-sodium or no-salt version, so I have more control over the seasoning. If you want to use your own homemade black beans, try my Instant Pot black beans recipe.
• White onion: A diced white onion gives a slightly sweet flavor to the black bean mixture. You could use a yellow onion as well.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The secret that gives the black beans a rich and smoky flavor with a little spice. To keep things mild, use extra adobo sauce in place of the chipotle peppers. 
• Seasonings:  A simple mix of salt, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder gives the black bean mixture lots of flavor.  
• Broth: A splash of broth adds some moisture and keeps the black beans creamy once they’re mashed. You can add more or less based on your preferred consistency. You can use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth.
• Tostada Shells: You can use store-bought or homemade tostada shells (which include oven-baked and air fryer instructions). 
• Toppings: The best part of tostadas is piling on the toppings. A few of my favorites are shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, cheese, Mexican crema, and salsa. 

How to Make Black Bean Tostadas

Sauté the onions until soft and translucent for about 5 minutes, then stir in the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Stir in a can of black beans along with their liquid, some salt, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Stir and continue simmering for an additional 3-4 minutes, then stir in the broth until well combined and bubbling.  

Mash the black beans using a hand masher until they’re thick and creamy, with some chunks. For an extra smooth consistency, transfer the black bean mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. 

Assemble by spreading a heaping 1-2 tablespoons of the mashed black beans onto a tostada shell. Sprinkle with shredded cheese or queso fresco and top with chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, Mexican crema, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce. 

Tostada Toppings

One of the best things about tostadas is all the toppings! You can use pretty much anything you have on hand. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Shredded lettuce
• Pico de gallo or diced tomatoes and cilantro
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Diced red onions or some pickled red onions
• Queso fresco or your favorite shredded cheese
• Your favorite hot sauce or salsa like this salsa Mexicana or salsa verde

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and Reheating

To store, place the black bean mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Store the toppings and tostada shells separately. 

To reheat, microwave the black bean mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm, then assemble your tostada as directed. 

More Quick & Easy Recipes

• Enfrijoladas
• Tetelas
• Black Bean Soup

If you tried this Black Bean Tostadas Recipe or any other recipe on Isabel Eats, don’t forget to give it a rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing about your experience making it.