Bean and Cheese Tostada

A Bean and Cheese Tostada is a classic Mexican dish consisting of a crispy, fried or toasted corn tortilla base topped with a layer of refried beans, melted cheese, and often fresh garnishes like lettuce, salsa, or crema. It is a staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, offering a satisfying crunch and a hearty combination of flavors.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the corn tortilla and beans, with a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber from the beans. A single, moderately topped tostada typically ranges from 250 to 400 calories, providing essential nutrients like iron, folate, and calcium.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	13 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	480 mg
Calcium	180 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Vitamin A	45 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	8 mg
Folate	65 mcg DFE
Phosphorus	190 mg
Magnesium	45 mg

Per 1 tostada (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The tostada's name literally translates to 'toasted' in Spanish, highlighting the simple yet transformative technique of crisping the tortilla. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and corn creates a complete protein, making it a satisfying and historically important plant-based meal in Mesoamerican diets.