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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
