Black Bean Tostadas

I like to think of tostadas as a kitchen cleanup meal. When I have random odds and ends 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, inexpensive black bean blend that’s packed with smoky chipotle flavor, but you can add other seasonings and proteins. I also used store-bought baked tostada shells to make it super quick, but you can also make your own using my homemade tostada shells recipe.

Here’s more on why I love this recipe:

• It’s convenient. A couple of inexpensive pantry staples like black beans, chipotle peppers, seasonings, and onions come together to give you a black bean dressing that’s packed with flavor.
• Quick and easy. This meal can be prepared in 20 minutes. It couldn’t be easier than this!
• Put the condiments. Use all your favorite seasonings and whatever you have on hand. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pico de gallo, guacamole, black olives, sour cream, grated cheese. The list is endless!

Necessary ingredients

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

• Black Beans: A simple can of black beans keeps this recipe simple and affordable. 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 adds a slightly sweet flavor to the black bean mixture. You could also use a yellow onion.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The secret that gives black beans a rich, smoky flavor with a little spice. To keep things mild, use extra adobo sauce in place of chipotle peppers.
• Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder gives the black bean mixture plenty of flavor.
• Broth: A splash of broth adds a little moisture and keeps the black beans creamy when mashed. You can add more or less depending on the consistency you prefer. You can use vegetable, chicken or beef broth.
• Tostada Shells: You can use store-bought or homemade tostada shells (which include oven and air fryer instructions).
• Seasonings: The best part about tostadas is the heaping of toppings. Some of my favorites are shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, cheese, Mexican crema, and salsa.

How to make black bean tostadas

Fry onions until soft and translucent about 5 minutes, then add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Mix a can of black beans along with their liquid, a little salt, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin. Stir and continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes, then add the stock until well combined and bubbling.

Mash the black beans using a potato masher until you obtain a thick and creamy mixture, with a few pieces. For an even smoother texture, transfer the black bean mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Assemble spreading 1-2 heaping tablespoons of black bean puree 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 some of my favorites:

Frequently asked questions

Storage and heating

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

To heat, Microwave the black bean mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute until hot, then assemble your tostada as directed.

Other quick and easy recipes

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