Spicy Bean & Avocado Tostados Recipe
Introduction
These spicy bean and avocado tostados are a vibrant, satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining creamy beans, fresh avocado, and a kick of chili, they bring bold flavors and easy preparation to your table.

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: Heat the grill to medium-high. Place 2 tortillas on a large baking sheet and grill for 2 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the refried beans, cayenne pepper, kidney beans, and cherry tomatoes. Mix well.
- Step 3: Spread half of the bean mixture evenly over the grilled tortillas. Sprinkle with half the vegetarian cheddar and sliced green chilli.
- Step 4: Return the tostados to the grill and cook until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from the grill and top each with half of the sliced avocado and a handful of coriander leaves.
- Step 6: Repeat the grilling and topping process with the remaining tortillas and bean mixture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top before serving.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper and green chilli or substitute with mild paprika.
- To make it vegan, swap the vegetarian cheddar for a plant-based cheese alternative.
Storage
Store any leftover bean mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The assembled tostados are best eaten fresh, but you can keep the grilled tortillas and bean topping separate in the fridge and reheat under the grill until warmed through. Avoid reheating avocado to maintain its texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Are refried beans actually fried?
No, refried beans are not fried despite the name. They are typically pinto beans that have been cooked and mashed, then seasoned. The term “refried” comes from the Spanish “refritos,” meaning “well-fried,” but in reality, they are usually cooked with little or no frying involved.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas work well for tostados and add a slightly different texture and flavor. Just be sure to grill them carefully as they can be more delicate than flour tortillas.
PrintSpicy Bean & Avocado Tostados Recipe
These spicy bean and avocado tostados are a quick and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring grilled tortillas topped with a zesty bean mixture, melted vegetarian cheddar, fresh avocado, and vibrant coriander. Perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner, this recipe combines creamy refried and kidney beans with fresh vegetables and spices for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 tostados 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base
- 4 flour tortillas
Beans & Vegetable Mix
- 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 Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to get it ready for grilling the tortillas.
- Grill Tortillas: Place 2 flour tortillas on a large baking sheet and grill for 2 minutes to warm and slightly toast them.
- Prepare Bean Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, cayenne pepper, rinsed kidney beans, and quartered cherry tomatoes. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble First Tostados: Divide half of the bean mixture evenly over the grilled tortillas. Sprinkle half of the vegetarian cheddar and half of the sliced green chilli on top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the assembled tortillas to the grill and cook until the cheese melts, ensuring the toppings are heated through and slightly bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tostados from the grill, top each with half of the sliced avocado and a handful of fresh coriander leaves. Serve immediately.
- Repeat: Repeat the grilling and assembling process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients for the second batch.
Notes
- Refried beans are not fried; they are cooked pinto beans mashed with spices.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and green chilli based on your desired spice level.
- Vegetarian cheddar can be replaced with vegan cheese for a vegan version.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or salsa for extra flavor if desired.
Keywords: spicy bean tostados, avocado tostados, vegetarian Mexican tostados, grilled tortillas, refried beans recipe, easy bean tostados

