Tex-Mex is at its finest (and easiest!) with this tasty tostada recipe. For a fun twist, cut the tortillas into triangles before toasting to make tortilla chips, and serve the cheese-tada toppings as a cold dip.

Nutrition Tip: Adequate amounts of fiber supports healthy digestion and can aid in keeping one regular. Luckily, just one cup of pinto beans provides about 50 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake!

Quick and Delicious Beany Cheese-tada: Tex-Mex Delight for Busy Moms

If you’re in need of a quick and delicious Tex-Mex meal that your whole family will love, I’ve got just the recipe for you. This Beany Cheese-tada is a mouthwatering combination of pinto beans, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh toppings served on a crispy corn tortilla. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also packed with fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying option. Plus, I’ll share a fun twist that will take your Beany Cheese-tada to the next level. Let’s get cooking!

The Beany Cheese-tada – Healthy and Tasty!

This recipe is considered healthy due to several factors:

1. High Fiber Content: The recipe includes pinto beans as a key ingredient. Pinto beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, with just one cup providing around 50 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake. Adequate fiber intake supports healthy digestion and can help keep you regular.

2. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: The Beany Cheese-tada incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients such as romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes. These ingredients add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish, contributing to a well-balanced meal.

3. Portion Control: The recipe uses 6-inch corn tortillas as the base for the tostadas. Opting for smaller tortillas helps control portion sizes and keeps the calorie count in check.

4. Limited Added Fat: While the recipe includes shredded Monterey Jack cheese for flavor, the amount is relatively small (1/4 cup). By using a modest amount of cheese, the recipe keeps the fat content under control.

5. Customizable Toppings: The Beany Cheese-tada allows for customization based on personal preferences and dietary needs. You can adjust the toppings to suit your family’s tastes, incorporating additional vegetables like avocado, onions, or cilantro for added nutrition.

Overall, the Beany Cheese-tada strikes a balance between flavor and nutrition, making it a healthy choice for families. It provides a good amount of fiber, essential nutrients, and can be part of a well-rounded meal plan.

Related: If you love Mexican inspired dishes, you have to try our Mexican Lasagna!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

There are several compelling reasons to make this Beany Cheese-tada:

Quick and Easy

As a busy parent, you’re likely juggling multiple responsibilities. The Beany Cheese-tada is a fantastic option because it’s quick and easy to prepare. With minimal cooking and assembly involved, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Family-Friendly

This recipe is designed with the whole family in mind. Tex-Mex flavors are generally loved by kids and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleasing choice. By involving your family in the preparation and allowing them to customize their own tostadas with their favorite toppings, you can create a fun and engaging mealtime experience.

Healthy and Nutritious

The Beany Cheese-tada offers a healthy twist on Tex-Mex cuisine. It incorporates pinto beans, which are rich in fiber, providing benefits for digestion and overall well-being. By using fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes, you’re adding essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your family’s meal.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the great things about the Beany Cheese-tada is its versatility. You can easily adapt the toppings to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Whether you want to add avocado, onions, or cilantro, or adjust the level of spiciness with salsa, you have the freedom to tailor the recipe to your liking.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe is also budget-friendly, as it utilizes affordable and accessible ingredients like pinto beans, corn tortillas, and basic vegetables. You can create a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank, making it a practical choice for families on a budget.

Fun Twist with Tortilla Chips

The Beany Cheese-tada offers a fun twist by allowing you to cut the tortillas into triangles and toast them to make homemade tortilla chips. This adds an element of excitement to the meal, making it perfect for parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers with friends and family.

Related: Also try our easy taco stuffed peppers!

A Quick Look at the Ingredients

Here are the beneficial details on each of the ingredients in the Beany Cheese-tada:

  • Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas, used as the base for the tostadas, are a healthier alternative to flour tortillas. They are typically lower in calories and fat and provide a good source of complex carbohydrates. Corn tortillas are also gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
  • Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are the star ingredient in this recipe and offer numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber supports healthy digestion, aids in maintaining regular bowel movements, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness. Pinto beans are also rich in protein, making them a good plant-based protein option for vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, they contain essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: While cheese should be consumed in moderation due to its fat content, Monterey Jack cheese adds a delightful creamy and melty texture to the Beany Cheese-tada. It also contributes a good amount of calcium, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Opting for shredded cheese allows for even distribution and a satisfying cheesy flavor with less quantity.
  • Romaine Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is a crisp and refreshing addition to the Beany Cheese-tada. It is low in calories and high in water content, helping to hydrate the body. Romaine lettuce is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A supports healthy vision, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting and bone health.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and juicy sweetness to the Beany Cheese-tada. They are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which has been associated with reducing the risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer. Cherry tomatoes also provide vitamin C and potassium, contributing to overall health and well-being.
  • Salsa: Salsa is a zesty and flavorful topping that enhances the taste of the Beany Cheese-tada. Salsa is typically made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, herbs, and spices. It is low in calories and can add a burst of flavor without excess fat or sugar. Salsa can be a good source of vitamins A and C, and the use of spices like chili powder can provide additional health benefits such as boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation.

Beanie Cheese-tada Meal Prep Ideas

Meal prepping the Beany Cheese-tada recipe can save you time and make it even more convenient to enjoy throughout the week. Here are some meal prep ideas to consider:

Preparing the Base:

   – Cook and mash the pinto beans in advance. Portion them into individual containers or zip-top bags for easy assembly later.

   – Toast the tortillas and store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy.

   – If you prefer tortilla chips, cut the tortillas into triangles, toast them, and store them separately from the toppings.

Toppings:

   – Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes, storing them separately in containers.

   – Prepare the salsa in advance or use store-bought salsa, transferring it to portioned containers.

Assembly Options:

   – Fully Assembled Tostadas: Assemble the Beany Cheese-tadas by spreading the mashed pinto beans on the toasted tortillas, adding the shredded cheese, and then topping them with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and salsa. Store them individually in containers or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners.

   – DIY Tostada Bar: Create a DIY tostada bar by storing each ingredient in separate containers. This way, you and your family can customize their own tostadas by choosing their preferred toppings. Simply heat the tortillas, warm the beans and cheese, and set out the containers of lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. Let everyone assemble their own tostadas based on their preferences.

Storage and Reheating:

   – Keep the prepped ingredients stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

   – When ready to enjoy, heat the tortillas, beans, and cheese either in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Then, assemble the tostadas with the desired toppings.

   – If using tortilla chips, pack them separately to maintain their crunchiness and add them to the tostadas just before eating.

By preparing the base ingredients and toppings ahead of time, you can streamline the process of assembling the Beany Cheese-tadas, making it convenient for busy days or when you want a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you choose to fully assemble the tostadas or create a DIY tostada bar, these meal prep ideas will help you save time and ensure you have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go.

Let’s make these Beany Cheese-tadas!

Bean & Cheese Tostada

Lesley Daniels
Tex-Mex is at its finest (and easiest!) with this tasty tostada recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Entree & Main Dishes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 530 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 6-inch corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup pinto beans drained, mashed
  • 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons salsa

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Toast tortillas 3-4 minutes or to desired crispiness.
  • Microwave beans on HIGH 1 minute.
  • Spread beans on tortillas. Top with cheese, Romaine, tomatoes and salsa.

Nutrition

Calories: 530kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 15gFat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 460mgFiber: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!