Easy Refried Beans Tostada Recipe

Flour tortillas are baked until a crisp perfection in the oven. They are then topped with refried beans and fresh toppings. This is a simple Mexican recipe for lunch or dinner idea with lots of bold flavors.

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If you love Mexican-inspired dinners, these Easy Refried Beans Tostadas are deliciously easy and can be nicely customized using your favorite proteins and toppings. These Baked Shrimp Tostadas really made a delicious combination, but today’s recipe is meatless.

I was inspired to make these tostadas after thoroughly enjoying the inexpensive ones from a popular chain. I do not like to deep fry anything, but these can be nicely crisped up in the oven to mimic a fried texture.

What is a tostada?

A tostada is a crunchy, crispy tortilla shell that is typically fried. However, today, we are teaching you how to bake them in less than 15 minutes (and top). They taste like a jumbo chip and have a lovely crunch when prepared correctly.

Where to buy tostada shells

You can find everything you need for corn or flour tostada shells at the market. My personal preference is to use Mission Street Tacos (12 ct.) for less than $2.

How to oven fry tostadas

There are a few things you will need to easily oven fry tostadas. If you prefer to use an olive oil based cooking spray you will not need a pastry brush, or olive oil.

• pastry brush
• “street taco sized” flour tortillas
• olive oil
• sea salt
• baking sheet
• oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unwrap your tortillas and place them on your baking sheet.

Using a pastry brush, brush each tortilla with oil and sprinkle each with a tiny bit of sea salt.

Bake for 5 minutes per side at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or until golden brown and crispy. The edges will raise slightly and bubble.

Meatless tostada shell toppings

• refried beans
• fresh salsa
• diced jalapeno
• diced red onion
• cheese
• cilantro
• green onion
• guacamole
• lime (optional)

Toppings for tostada shells

• Chunky Guacamole
• Pineapple Coleslaw
• Best Ever Taco Meat
• Garlic Lime Shrimp
• Honey Lime Shrimp
• Ro*Tel Topped Cod

be guacamole, tomato, meat, chicken, shrimp, fish, or pork.

When to add toppings

After your tostada shells have been baked, you will want to top them with your beans, fresh toppings, or meat. Of course, your proteins should only be precooked.

If you want, you can add the refried beans and cheese, and return the tostadas to the oven to bake for another 2-3 minutes to warm the beans and cheese.

The fresh ingredients go on last for the best flavors.

Storage

These shells will get soggy if they are not stored properly. I recommend only storing shells at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to 3 days (for best taste). You do not want to place them in the refrigerator or they will get limp and soggy.

Reheat

If you have leftover tostadas that are loaded with toppings, the shell will be very limp and no longer crunchy. While this isn’t a perfect fix, heating them up on a baking sheet can help bring back their crunch. Heat them for 3-4 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.