Black Bean Tostadas with Pepper Jack Cheese and Avocado Recipe
These Black Bean Tostadas are a quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned black beans simmered and smashed to perfection, layered on crispy tostadas topped with melted pepper Jack cheese and fresh avocado slices. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal with a spicy kick from hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tostadas (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Seasoning
- 2 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 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 Beans: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the rinsed and drained black beans with the salt, chili powder, black pepper, and cumin. Bring this mixture to a simmer, cooking while stirring occasionally until the beans are warmed through, about 10 minutes. Then, using a wooden spoon, smash most of the beans to create a creamy texture with some whole beans remaining. Add a splash of water if needed to achieve a smoother consistency, and adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
- Prepare Tostadas: Arrange the tostadas on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Evenly sprinkle the shredded pepper Jack cheese over each tostada.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the baking sheet with the tostadas in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, approximately 5 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the tostadas from the oven. Spoon the warm smashed black bean mixture evenly over each cheese-topped tostada. Garnish with thinly sliced avocados and drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for added flavor and heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add more chili powder or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
- If you want a creamier bean mixture, add a little vegetable broth or water while mashing the beans.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the tostadas before adding toppings.
- Substitute pepper Jack with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar if desired.
- Leftover bean mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: black bean tostadas, vegetarian Mexican recipe, easy tostadas, pepper Jack cheese, avocado, quick dinner, spicy bean tostadas
