Back to Mexican
Bean Tostada
Mexican 15 min Easy

Bean Tostada

A crisp flat tortilla topped with beans and fresh salad.

Origin & Story

The tostada ('toasted') is a crunchy fried or toasted tortilla used as an edible plate, piled high with beans and toppings across Mexico.

Main Spices & Their Role

Cumin

Warms the bean layer.

Chilli powder

Adds a smoky kick.

Ingredients

  • 4 tortillas
  • 1 can beans
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chilli powder
  • Shredded lettuce
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • Onion, coriander & lime
  • 2 tbsp oil

Method

  1. 01

    Toast the tortillas in a dry pan until crisp and firm.

  2. 02

    Warm the beans with oil, cumin, chilli powder and salt; mash.

  3. 03

    Spread the beans over each crisp tortilla.

  4. 04

    Top with lettuce, tomato and onion.

  5. 05

    Finish with coriander and a squeeze of lime.

Veg & Vegan Alternatives

Vegetarian

This dish is already vegetarian.

Vegan

Already vegan — add avocado instead of any cheese or cream topping.

Pan & Pantry

Cheap, beginner-friendly recipes from around the world. Everything here needs nothing more than a pan, a knife and a hungry appetite.

© 2026 Pan & Pantry. A simple global cookbook.

Created by Aarav Gautam