Taco Bell Tostada Recipe
Introduction
Taco Bell Tostadas are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican-inspired snack at home. Crispy tostada shells layered with warm refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings make for a satisfying and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 8 tostada shells
- 2½ cups refried beans (homemade or 2 x 14 oz canned)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ to 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the refried beans. If using homemade, prepare them in advance. For canned beans, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil, stirring frequently. Season with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, or cumin to taste.
- Step 2: Prepare your toppings while the beans warm. Shred the cheese, chop the lettuce, and have your pico de gallo, guacamole, and any optional toppings ready.
- Step 3: Spread a generous spoonful of refried beans on each tostada shell, leaving about a ½-inch border to prevent spilling. Sprinkle each with about a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 4: Add fresh flavors by spooning pico de gallo and guacamole over the beans and cheese. Include any optional toppings like pickled jalapeños or hot sauce if you like.
- Step 5: Finish by topping each tostada with shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve immediately so the shells stay crisp and the toppings fresh.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder to the refried beans while warming.
- Try swapping cheddar for a Mexican blend or queso fresco for a different cheese taste.
- Use baked tostada shells for a lighter version, or warm fresh tortillas and bake them crisp in the oven.
- Add protein like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or grilled vegetables to make it a heartier meal.
Storage
If you have leftover components, store refried beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and lettuce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Tostada shells are best kept dry and crisp in a sealed container at room temperature. Assemble just before serving to keep shells crunchy. Reheat beans gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, tostada shells are typically made from corn and naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of any canned beans, toppings, or store-bought items to confirm they contain no gluten.
How can I keep tostada shells from getting soggy?
To keep shells crisp, add the wettest ingredients like guacamole and pico de gallo just before serving and avoid letting the assembled tostadas sit too long.
Print
Taco Bell Tostada Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 tostadas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Bell Tostada recipe recreates the beloved crispy tostada topped with creamy refried beans, melted cheddar cheese, fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and crunchy shredded lettuce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal, this dish can be customized with optional toppings like sour cream, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 tostada shells
- 2½ cups refried beans (homemade or 2 x 14 oz canned)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ to 1 cup shredded lettuce
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Pickled jalapeños
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Refried Beans: If using homemade refried beans, prepare them in advance using your preferred method such as Instant Pot for quick results. If using canned refried beans, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil, stirring frequently and seasoning with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, or cumin to taste.
- Prep Toppings: While the beans warm, shred the cheddar cheese, chop the lettuce, and prepare the pico de gallo and guacamole if making homemade. Also prepare any optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Layer the Tostadas: Spread a generous spoonful of warm refried beans evenly over each tostada shell, leaving about a ½-inch border to prevent toppings from spilling. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese over the beans on each shell.
- Add Fresh Flavors: Spoon pico de gallo and guacamole over the beans and cheese layers. Add any optional toppings you prefer such as pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor and heat.
- Top with Lettuce & Serve: Finish by adding a handful of shredded lettuce on top of each tostada and, if desired, a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while the tostada shells remain crisp and the fresh toppings vibrant and cool.
Notes
- Warm the refried beans just before assembling to keep the tostadas crisp.
- Customize toppings according to your preference, adding more or less cheese and garnishes.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure that your refried beans do not contain lard.
- Homemade pico de gallo and guacamole enhance freshness but store-bought versions are convenient.
- Serve immediately to maintain crispiness of tostada shells, as they will become soggy if left too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Taco Bell tostada, refried beans tostada, Mexican tostada recipe, easy tostada, vegetarian Mexican food, quick Mexican lunch
