Black Bean Tostadas with Pepper Jack and Avocado Recipe

Introduction

Black bean tostadas are a simple, hearty dish perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Crispy tostadas topped with seasoned black beans, melted pepper Jack cheese, and fresh avocado slices create a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp. kosher salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 8 tostadas
• 2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
• Thinly sliced avocados, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine black beans, salt, chili powder, black pepper, and cumin. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Smash the beans gently with a wooden spoon, adding a little water if needed to create a smoother texture. Leave some beans whole for a nice bite. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
3. Step 3: Arrange the tostadas on a large baking sheet and evenly sprinkle the shredded pepper Jack cheese over each one.
4. Step 4: Bake in the oven until the cheese melts and is bubbly, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and top each tostada with the warm black bean mixture and sliced avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce to taste and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the beans before serving.
• Swap pepper Jack for cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese if preferred.
• Add chopped cilantro or diced tomatoes on top for freshness.
• Use cooked pinto or refried beans as an alternative to black beans.
• To make it vegan, substitute cheese with a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftover toppings separately from tostadas in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tostadas can become soggy if stored with toppings. Reheat the bean mixture on the stove and warm tostadas in the oven before assembling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure to soak and cook dried beans properly beforehand. This will take longer but can enhance flavor and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have tostadas?

You can substitute with crispy corn tortillas or even baked tortilla chips to achieve a similar crunch.

Black Bean Tostadas with Pepper Jack and Avocado Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 113 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 tostadas (serves 4) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Black Bean Tostadas recipe features crispy baked tostadas topped with a warm, seasoned black bean mixture, melted pepper jack cheese, and fresh avocado slices. A quick and flavorful meal perfect for a casual lunch or dinner that combines creamy beans, spicy cheese, and a hint of heat from hot sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Seasoning

• 2 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Tostadas and Toppings

• 8 tostadas
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• Thinly sliced avocados, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Bean Mixture: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the rinsed and drained black beans with kosher salt, chili powder, black pepper, and ground cumin. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the beans are warmed through. Using a wooden spoon, smash most of the beans to create a thick, slightly chunky texture, adding a splash of water if necessary to achieve desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
2. Prep the Tostadas: While the beans cook, arrange the tostadas evenly on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over each tostada.
3. Bake until Melty: Place the baking sheet with cheese-covered tostadas into the preheated oven. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
4. Assemble and Serve: Remove the baked tostadas from the oven and promptly top each one with a generous portion of the warm smashed black bean mixture. Add thin slices of fresh avocado on top, then drizzle with your favorite hot sauce to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use canned black beans for convenience, but you can substitute with homemade cooked beans if preferred.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder and hot sauce to suit your desired spice level.
• For a vegetarian meal, ensure your hot sauce is free from animal products.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top before serving can enhance brightness and flavor.
• Leftover tostadas can be stored separately and reheated, but the avocado is best added fresh.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: black bean tostadas, vegetarian Mexican recipe, easy tostadas, baked cheese tostadas, avocado tostadas