10 Minute Oven-Baked Tostadas

When you need a quick and easy dinner, these 10 Minute Oven-Baked Tostadas are a great option. They come together with just a few simple ingredients and are easy to customize with whatever your family likes. I love making them with homemade tostada shells, but if you are really short on time, store-bought tostada shells make this dinner even faster.

The homemade tostada shells do turn out a little different from the store-bought kind. They aren’t quite as crisp and crunchy, but they have a little more chew, which I actually really like. Either option works well, so you can use whatever is easiest.

For the base, you just need a can of refried beans. I like to buy refried beans that already have some seasoning or flavor added for an extra boost without any extra work. If you have leftover taco meat, shredded chicken, pork, or another cooked meat in the refrigerator, you can add it on top of the beans too. Most of the time, though, I keep things simple and just use the beans.

Then comes the best part—the toppings. In my book, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa are a must. From there, you can add whatever you like or happen to have on hand, such as diced tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, sliced olives, green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños. Everyone can even build their own tostada, which makes this an easy dinner for picky eaters or busy weeknights.

Ingredients for 10 Minute Oven-Baked Tostadas

• CORN TORTILLAS – Corn tortillas form the base of the tostadas. Baking them with a little oil gives them a crisp exterior while still keeping a bit of chew.
• CANOLA OIL – Canola oil helps the tortillas brown and crisp in the oven. Its mild flavor keeps the focus on the tostada toppings.
• SALT – A light sprinkle of salt adds flavor to the tortilla shells and helps make the simple base taste more finished.
• REFRIED BEANS – Refried beans make the tostadas hearty and filling. They also act as a creamy base that helps the other toppings stay in place.
• SHREDDED LETTUCE – Lettuce adds freshness, color, and a cool crunch that balances the warm beans and crispy tortilla.
• SHREDDED CHEESE – Cheese adds creamy, savory flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or whatever you have on hand will all work well.
• SOUR CREAM – Sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast and helps balance the flavors of the beans and salsa.
• SALSA – Salsa adds moisture, acidity, and plenty of flavor. Use mild, medium, or hot depending on how much heat you like.

Instructions for 10 Minute Oven-Baked Tostadas

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Arrange the corn tortillas in a single layer on the sheet pan, making sure they do not overlap. Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with canola oil, then sprinkle with a little salt.

Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, then carefully flip the tortillas and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp around the edges. While the tortillas are baking, warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Once the tortillas are done, let them cool for a minute or two. Spread a layer of warm refried beans over the crispy shells, then top with shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, and any other toppings you like. Serve right away while the tostada shells are still warm and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought tostada shells instead?
Yes. Store-bought tostada shells make this recipe even faster because you can skip baking the corn tortillas. Just warm the beans and add your toppings.

How do I know when the tortillas are done?
They should be lightly golden and crisp around the edges. Homemade baked tostada shells may still have a little more chew than store-bought shells.

Can I make the tostada shells ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the tortillas, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. Re-crisp them briefly in the oven if needed.

What kind of refried beans work best?
Any canned refried beans will work. I especially like using seasoned or flavored refried beans because they add extra flavor without any extra work.

Can I add meat to these tostadas?
Absolutely. Leftover taco meat, shredded chicken, pork, or even seasoned ground beef are all great additions.

What cheese is best for tostadas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, a Mexican cheese blend, or Pepper Jack all work well. Use whatever your family likes or what you already have on hand.

What other toppings can I add?
Try diced tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, sliced olives, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, pico de gallo, or hot sauce. Tostadas are very easy to customize.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes. The basic version with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa is already vegetarian as long as the refried beans are made without lard.

How do I keep the tostadas from getting soggy?
Add the beans and toppings just before serving. If they sit too long after assembly, moisture from the beans, salsa, and sour cream can soften the shell.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Brush the tortillas lightly with oil and air fry until crisp, flipping halfway through. Watch them closely, as they can brown quickly.

Tips and Tricks

• Do not overlap the tortillas. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer so the hot air can circulate around them. This helps them bake more evenly and get crisp around the edges.
• Brush both sides lightly with oil. A thin, even coating of canola oil helps the tortillas brown and crisp without becoming greasy.
• Watch them closely near the end. Corn tortillas can go from lightly golden to overdone pretty quickly. Start checking them during the last couple of minutes, especially if your oven runs hot.
• Add the toppings just before serving. Beans, salsa, and sour cream can soften the shells if they sit too long. Assemble the tostadas right before eating for the best texture.
• Use leftovers to make them more filling. These are perfect for using up leftover taco meat, shredded chicken, pork, or even grilled vegetables. Add whatever you have on hand to turn a simple bean tostada into a heartier meal.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• BBQ Chicken Tostadas
• Seven Layer Tostadas
• Beef and Black Bean Tostadas
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Tostadas