Homemade Mexican Tostadas with Refried Beans (Print version)

Crispy corn tostadas layered with creamy refried beans, fresh toppings, queso fresco, salsa, and avocado for an easy Mexican dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the tostada shells

01 - 12 corn tortillas
02 - 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) neutral oil, such as canola or corn oil, for frying
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus more as needed

For the beans

04 - 3 1/2 cups (about 840 g) refried pinto beans, canned or homemade
05 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or vegetable broth, plus more as needed
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

For the toppings

08 - 3 cups (210 g) shredded iceberg lettuce
09 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
10 - 2 avocados, sliced or diced
11 - 1 cup (115 g) crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack
12 - 3/4 cup (180 g) salsa
13 - 1/3 cup (45 g) pickled jalapeno slices
14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
15 - Lime wedges, for serving
16 - Sour cream or Mexican crema, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 250 degrees F. Arrange the tortillas on a baking sheet and warm for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Heat the oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Fry one tortilla at a time for 30-45 seconds per side until golden and crisp, using tongs to keep it flat.
03 - Transfer each fried tortilla to paper towels or a wire rack. Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot and keep the shells warm in the low oven if needed.
04 - Combine the refried beans, water, cumin, and lime juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until creamy and spreadable.
05 - Set out the lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, salsa, jalapenos, cilantro, lime wedges, and optional crema in separate bowls.
06 - Spread a thin layer of warm beans over each crisp shell. Top with lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, salsa, jalapenos, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

# Good to know:

01 - Makes 12 tostadas, about 2 per serving.
02 - Assemble right before serving so the shells stay crisp.
03 - Use vegetarian refried beans if you need the recipe to stay meatless.

Back