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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Vegan Bean Tostadas

    Apr 2, 2012 by Kaitlin

    This speedy (15-minute!) vegan Refried Bean Tostada recipe is so delicious and satisfying. It's quick and easy to assemble, then everyone can personalize them with their favorite toppings! (Vegan, gluten-free.)

    Vegan bean tostada on a white plate with romaine lettuce, onion, and tomato

    Have 15 minutes? Let's make some quick + easy refried bean tostadas!

    We'll take a crunchy shell and spread it with creamy refried beans. Then top it with crisp, fresh veggies of your choice.

    It's a great family-friendly meal because everyone can personalize them with their own favorite toppings.

    Plus they're a good source of satisfying plant-based protein and fiber.

    Corn tortillas, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and refried beans ingredients on a wooden table

    Ingredients for Bean Tostadas

    For this recipe you will need:

    • Corn tortillas: These will be used to make our own homemade tostada shells in the oven. I try to find organic corn tortillas when possible, with simple ingredients like corn + lime juice only.
    • Olive oil: We'll use this to lightly brush the corn tortillas before baking in the oven. (If you're using pre-made shells, then simply skip this ingredient.)
    • Refried beans: These are made from pinto beans. Be sure to find a can of vegan refried beans, because most traditional ones are made with lard. Both Amy's and Cadia brands are a couple that offer vegan styles, but there are many others available now as well.
    • Taco seasoning: I use my own homemade Taco Seasoning blend. But feel free to use your own favorite.
    • Grape tomatoes: Or cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes, or other garden tomatoes will work.
    • Romaine lettuce: Or iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced cabbage, etc.
    • Red onion: Or substitute white onion, yellow onion, or green onion.
    Steps showing how to make tortilla shells from corn tortillas

    Making Tostada Shells

    In this recipe, I share my quick and easy method of making tostada shells at home.

    Prepare: Simply use fresh corn tortillas and brush each side with olive oil. Then place on a baking sheet to crisp under the broiler for a few minutes on each side.

    Watch them carefully: Ovens can vary. So just be sure to watch them carefully so they don't burn. I have my rack about 10 inches under the broiler, so adjust the time if yours is closer.

    Crispy: The texture should be thin and crispy. If they are still chewy + tough, then you'll need to cook them longer.

    Tip: Instead of making your own homemade tortilla shells, you can simply purchase pre-made hard corn tostada shells if desired.

    Customizing

    More beans: Stir in a can of black beans (rinsed and drained) to the refried bean mixture while it's heating on the stovetop.

    Make it spicy: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, ground chipotle powder, jalapeno, or simply top with hot sauce to taste.

    Make it "meaty": Stir in your favorite vegan ground beef crumbles to the bean mixture. Cook these separately according to package instructions, and then stir them in.

    Other flavors + seasoning: I use my homemade taco seasoning blend for convenience, but change it up with your own favorite spices. Ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and others would be tasty. You can also sauté an onion and garlic cloves in the saucepan before adding your refried beans.

    Serving

    Personalize these vegan tostadas with your own favorite toppings. A few ideas include:

    • Avocado or guacamole
    • Vegan shredded cheese (or dairy-free cheddar cheese sauce)
    • Vegan sour cream
    • Restaurant-Style Blender Salsa (or Pico de Gallo)
    • Black olives
    • Fresh cilantro
    • Fresh vinegar-based slaw
    Vegan Refried Bean Tostadas on a white plate topped with lettuce and tomato

    For more inspiration, also browse all 15 minute recipes or Mexican-inspired recipes.

    Vegan bean tostada on a white plate with romaine lettuce, onion, and tomato

    Vegan Bean Tostadas

    These speedy (15-minute!) bean tostadas are a satisfying lunch or dinner. Quick & easy to make, then add your own favorite toppings!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Mexican-inspired, Vegan
    Servings: 5 tostadas

    Ingredients

    • 5 corn tortillas (or pre-made tostada shells)
    • 1 Tbsp. olive oil (for brushing)
    • 15 oz. can refried beans (vegan)
    • 2-3 tsp. taco seasoning
    • 2/3 cup grape tomatoes
    • 2 cups romaine lettuce
    • 1/4 cup red onion (or white or yellow)

    Other toppings of choice:

    • Vegan cheese shreds, salsa, avocado/guacamole, olives, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, etc.

    Instructions

    • Make tostada shells: Turn your oven on broil. Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with olive oil. Then place tortillas in a single file on a baking sheet. Broil for 3-4 minutes. Flip, then broil for 3-4 minutes longer until edges are slightly golden.*
    • Warm the beans: Meanwhile, in a small pan over medium-low heat, add refried beans and taco seasoning. Stir and heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warm.
    • Prepare your toppings: Chop tomatoes, lettuce, and finely dice red onion. (Or other toppings of choice.)
    • Build your tostadas: Take a crisp tortilla and spread a thin layer of beans on top. Then add desired toppings.

    Notes

    *Tostada shells: Watch them carefully so they don't burn. I have my rack about 10 inches under the broiler, so adjust the time if yours is closer. They should be thin and crispy. If they are still chewy + tough, then you'll need to cook longer. (Or instead of making your own, you can also purchase pre-made hard tostada shells.)
    Refried beans: Be sure to find vegan-style refried beans as most traditional ones are made with lard.
    Black beans: These are also a great addition. Simply mix them (rinsed and drained) into the refried bean mixture as it heats on the stove.
    Yield: Recipe makes about 5 tostadas (more or less depending on how thick you spread your bean mixture).

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan Bean Tostadas
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    148
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    4
    g
    6
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Potassium
     
    154
    mg
    4
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    23
    g
    8
    %
    Fiber
     
    6
    g
    25
    %
    Sugar
     
    3
    g
    3
    %
    Protein
     
    6
    g
    12
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1878
    IU
    38
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    4
    mg
    5
    %
    Calcium
     
    59
    mg
    6
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this easy Vegan Bean Tostadas recipe, also check out:

    • Easy Portobello Fajitas
    • Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Main Dish Recipes

    • Mushroom Pesto Pasta
    • Southwest Black Bean Burger
    • Tofu Fajitas (Easy Sheet Pan!)
    • Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Karen Aidi

      January 02, 2017 at 2:54 am

      I just made these tostadas tonight with Amy's refried beans and daiya pepper jack cheese with shredded red cabbage, salsa, guacamole, chopped red onion, chopped red leaf lettuce and they were delicious! I didn't miss the meat at all. Thank you for sharing quick and easy recipes!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        January 03, 2017 at 5:41 pm

        Hi again Karen! So glad these worked out for you! Amy's products are tasty, and I love all your fresh toppings!

        Reply
      • Karen Aidi

        January 04, 2017 at 9:19 am

        Thank you! And, I do appreciate your blog so much as it is inspiring me to stay on a plant-based diet! Happy and healthy new year to you!

        Reply

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    The Garden Grazer - Kaitlin profile photo

    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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