Potato Tostadas or “tostadas de papa” is the best budget-friendly meal that is sure to impress your tastebuds while keeping your meal plant-based and balanced. Creamy Mexican-style potato spread on top of a crunchy tostada topped with fresh and flavorful vegetables, beans, and salsa.

Mexican Potato Tostadas: A Simple and Healthy Recipe

If you’re looking for a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, these Mexican Potato Tostadas are perfect! Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal. With crispy tostadas, creamy seasoned potatoes, and vibrant toppings, this meal strikes a balance between comforting and healthy.

My mom used to make potato tostadas a lot when I was younger and I always looked forward to it. Little did I know that she made them often because potato tostadas are budget-friendly and it was all she could afford. She would also get lots of potatoes at the food pantry and would find different ways to cook them while keeping our culture alive at the dinner table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Affordable & Accessible: Uses pantry-friendly ingredients like potatoes, canned beans, and tostadas.
• Plant-Based & Nutritious: Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone seeking a lighter meal.
• Quick & Customizable: Ready in under 40 minutes with endless topping possibilities! Use what you have available or cater to what you are craving.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and a variety of textures makes this dish irresistible.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients in this recipe and possible swaps:

• Potatoes: Use any type of potato—russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well. Sweet potatoes are a great option for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Tostadas: Store-bought tostadas save time, but you can bake or air-fry corn tortillas for a homemade version. I buy tostadas more often than I make them just try to choose ones made with less oil or baked versions.
• Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient and nutritious, but pinto beans or even refried beans are excellent substitutes. If you are watching your sodium just choose low-sodium beans and/or drain and rinse them with fresh water to get rid of most of the sodium.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds flavor to the potatoes. Water with a bit of bouillon also works well.
• Jalapeños: For a spicy kick! Swap with poblano peppers for a milder option or omit for no heat.
• Chili Powder & Cumin: Essential for a warm, smoky flavor. Adjust the chili powder for spice preference or replace with paprika for a milder option.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Mexican Potato Tostadas

1. Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. Cook the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash lightly.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large pan, heat a little oil or cooking spray. Sauté the diced onion and jalapeños until softened.
3. Season the Potatoes: Add the mashed potatoes to the pan along with cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in the vegetable broth to create a creamy consistency.

2. Assemble the Tostadas

1. Base Layer: Spread a generous layer of the seasoned potato mixture onto each tostada.
2. Add Beans and Corn: Top the potatoes with black beans and a sprinkle of corn for texture and flavor.

3. Finish with Toppings

Load up your tostadas with fresh toppings like diced tomato, avocado slices, cilantro, and salsa. I grew up adding Tapatio hot sauce as well as homemade red salsa, and salsa verde or pico de Gallo:

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Potato Tostadas Nutrition Highlights

These Mexican Potato Tostadas are not only delicious but also packed with balanced nutrition:

Balanced Carbs, Protein, and Fiber

• Potatoes: A great source of complex carbohydrates for energy, along with fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Black Beans: Add plant-based protein, helping to make this dish more satiating and balanced. They’re also rich in fiber, iron, and folate.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and additional fiber, along with essential vitamins like B-complex and antioxidants.
• Tostadas: Provide a crunchy base and an extra dose of carbs, with baked tostadas being a lighter option.

Healthy Fats & Fresh Toppings

• Avocado: Offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced potatoes. Make a fresh guacamole to top off your tostadas, you won’t regret it!
• Cilantro and Tomatoes: Fresh, nutrient-rich toppings that bring freshness and additional antioxidants like lycopene (from tomatoes).

Why Potato Tostadas are Balanced

This recipe is a complete meal because it includes:

1. Carbohydrates from potatoes and tostadas for energy.
2. Protein from black beans helps to keep you full and support muscle health.
3. Healthy Fats from avocado, support brain health and keep the meal satisfying.
4. Fiber from beans, potatoes, and corn, aids in digestion and promotes gut health.

Optional Nutritional Boost

• Add shredded lettuce or cabbage for extra fiber and crunch.
• Sprinkle with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and a boost of B12.

This balanced combination makes the tostadas not just delicious but also a meal you can feel good about eating!

Tips and Topping Options

Tips for Success

• Prevent Soggy Tostadas: Add the toppings just before serving to keep the tostadas crisp.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the jalapeños and chili powder to your spice tolerance.

Topping Ideas

• Creamy Additions: Drizzle with vegan sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
• Crunch Factor: Add shredded lettuce or cabbage for a refreshing crunch.
• Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle on some shredded vegan cheese or cotija cheese for extra flavor.

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Potato Tostadas Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the potato mixture and toppings separately from the tostadas to prevent sogginess. Keep everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm the potato mixture in a skillet or microwave. Assemble the tostadas fresh before serving.

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With their crispy base, creamy potatoes, and vibrant toppings, these Mexican Potato Tostadas are a guaranteed hit! Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, they’re as versatile as they are delicious. Enjoy making them your own with your favorite toppings!

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