Introduction

Spicy bean and avocado tostados are a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining creamy beans, fresh avocado, and a kick of chili, these tostados offer a delicious burst of flavor with every bite.

Spicy Bean & Avocado Tostados Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 flour tortillas
400g can refried beans
Big pinch cayenne pepper
200g can kidney beans in water, rinsed
2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, quartered
50g vegetarian cheddar
1 green chilli, thinly sliced
1 avocado, halved, stoned and sliced
Handful coriander leaves, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place two tortillas on a large baking sheet and grill them for about 2 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the refried beans, cayenne pepper, rinsed kidney beans, and quartered cherry tomatoes. Stir well to mix all the flavors together.
Step 3: Spread half of the bean mixture evenly over the two grilled tortillas. Then sprinkle half of the vegetarian cheddar and sliced green chilli on top.
Step 4: Return the tortillas to the grill and cook until the cheese melts and starts to bubble, around 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the tostados from the grill and arrange half of the avocado slices and some coriander leaves over each. Serve immediately.
Step 6: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients to serve the second batch.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add some finely chopped red onions or pickled jalapeños on top before serving.
Swap vegetarian cheddar for a vegan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version.
Refried beans are traditionally not fried but cooked slowly with spices—this makes them a healthy and flavorful base.
To make it spicier, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or use a hotter chili variety.

Storage

Store any leftover bean mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tostados are best eaten fresh for crispiness, but if needed, reheat them briefly under the grill to warm and melt the cheese before topping with fresh avocado and coriander.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas work well and add a nice texture and flavor. Just watch them carefully under the grill as they may crisp up faster.

What can I use if I don’t have refried beans?

You can mash cooked pinto beans or black beans with some seasoning as a substitute for refried beans. Adding a bit of olive oil and spices will help mimic the texture and taste.

Spicy Bean & Avocado Tostados Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful recipe featuring crispy grilled flour tortillas topped with a spicy and hearty mix of refried and kidney beans, fresh cherry tomatoes, melted vegetarian cheddar, and sliced green chili, finished with creamy avocado and fresh coriander for a delightful vegetarian tostado experience.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 tostados (serves 2-4) 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Base

4 flour tortillas

Bean Mixture

400g can refried beans
Big pinch cayenne pepper
200g can kidney beans in water, rinsed
2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, quartered

Toppings

50g vegetarian cheddar
1 green chilli, thinly sliced
1 avocado, halved, stoned and sliced
Handful coriander leaves, to serve

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Tortillas: Heat the grill to medium-high. Place 2 of the flour tortillas onto a large baking sheet, arranging them flat for even grilling.
Grill Tortillas: Grill the tortillas for 2 minutes on one side until they become warm and slightly crisp, taking care not to burn them.
Mix Bean Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, cayenne pepper, rinsed kidney beans, and quartered cherry tomatoes, stirring gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Assemble Tostados: Spoon half of the bean mixture evenly over the grilled tortillas. Sprinkle half of the vegetarian cheddar over the bean mixture, followed by half of the thinly sliced green chilli.
Grill to Melt Cheese: Return the assembled tortillas back to the grill and cook until the cheese melts and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Carefully lift the grilled tostados onto plates. Top each with half of the sliced avocado and a handful of fresh coriander leaves. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients for the second batch.

Notes

Refried beans are not fried but cooked pinto beans mashed with spices, making them a healthy protein-rich base.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and green chili according to your preferred spice level.
Vegetarian cheddar adds a nice melting texture but can be substituted with any cheese of your choice.
Serve immediately for the best crisp texture of the tortillas.

Keywords: spicy bean tostados, avocado tostados, vegetarian Mexican snack, grilled tortillas, refried beans recipe