Easy Tostada Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Tostada Recipe is a perfect combination of crispy, savory, and fresh. The crispy corn tortillas provide a satisfying crunch, while the ground beef, refried beans, and fresh toppings bring depth and flavor to every bite. It’s simple to make, customizable, and a great way to enjoy a delicious, homemade Mexican-inspired meal in no time.

Ingredients

• 10 corn tortillas (or prepared tostadas)

• 16 oz lean ground beef

• ½ yellow onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 10 oz refried beans

• 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped

• ½ cup cotija cheese or queso fresco, crumbled

• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa

• ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Bake the Tostada Shells: Preheat the oven to 415°F (213°C). Lightly oil both sides of the corn tortillas and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 4 minutes on one side, flip, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

2. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, salt, and taco seasoning. Add the diced onion and cook until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully cooked.

3. Warm the Refried Beans: Heat the refried beans in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a microwave until steaming hot.

4. Assemble the Tostadas: Spread a layer of warm refried beans on each tostada shell. Top with the seasoned ground beef, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Add pico de gallo or salsa, sprinkle with crumbled cheese, and top with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add grilled vegetables, black beans, or guacamole for a vegetarian-friendly tostada.

• Seafood Twist: Swap out the ground beef for shrimp or fish for a delicious seafood variation.

• Make-Ahead: While tostadas are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the baked shells in an airtight container at room temperature, and refrigerate the beef and toppings separately. Assemble just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Tostada shells should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for a couple of days but are best eaten fresh for the crunch. To reheat, place the shells back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again. If you have leftover toppings, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the beef and beans before assembling the tostadas.

FAQs

1. Can I use flour tortillas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but corn tortillas provide the traditional crispiness and flavor that make tostadas special.

2. How can I make the tostada shells without an oven?

You can fry the tortillas in hot oil to achieve a crispy texture. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the tortillas for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

3. Can I prepare the beef mixture in advance?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you're ready to assemble the tostadas.

4. Can I make the refried beans from scratch?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade beans, you can cook dried pinto or black beans and mash them to create your own refried beans.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and check that your tortillas are certified gluten-free.

6. What toppings can I add to these tostadas?

You can add toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, olives, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the flavor.

7. How do I make these tostadas spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top to bring some heat to your tostadas.

8. Can I use store-bought tostada shells?

Yes, you can buy pre-made tostada shells to save time, but homemade baked tortillas add a better crunch and flavor.

9. How do I make the ground beef more flavorful?

For added depth of flavor, try using a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika in addition to the taco seasoning.

10. Can I freeze tostada shells?

Yes, you can freeze the baked tostada shells for later use. Just place them in a ziplock bag, and they will stay good for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Easy Tostada Recipe is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the crunch of crispy tortillas with flavorful toppings like seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, fresh veggies, and cheese. Whether you're making them for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these tostadas are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy customizing them with your favorite toppings, and savor the delicious combination of textures and flavors.

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This Easy Tostada Recipe brings a satisfying crunch with crispy corn tortillas topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and fresh veggies. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, this quick and customizable dish combines savory flavors and textures that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and delicious, it’s a must-try for any Mexican-inspired meal!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 tostadas
• Category: Mexican, Main Dish, Comfort Food
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

10 corn tortillas (or prepared tostadas)

16 oz lean ground beef

½ yellow onion, diced

1 Tbsp taco seasoning

½ tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

10 oz refried beans

2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped

½ cup cotija cheese or queso fresco, crumbled

1 cup tomatoes, chopped

1 avocado, diced

1 cup pico de gallo or salsa

⅓ cup cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bake the Tostada Shells: Preheat oven to 415°F (213°C). Lightly oil both sides of the corn tortillas and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 4 minutes on one side, flip, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until crispy and golden.

2. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking apart with a spatula. Season with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and beef is fully cooked.

3. Warm the Refried Beans: Heat refried beans in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until hot.

4. Assemble the Tostadas: Spread a layer of warm refried beans on each tostada shell. Top with seasoned ground beef, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, pico de gallo, crumbled cheese, and cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add grilled vegetables, black beans, or guacamole for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Seafood Twist: Swap the ground beef for shrimp or fish for a delicious seafood variation.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare components ahead of time—store tostada shells at room temperature and toppings in the fridge.