Description
Easy Ground Beef Tostadas are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and fresh. With a golden tostada shell, seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and fresh toppings, this quick and customizable recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Tostadas:
- Tostada shells or corn tortillas: 8
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion (diced): ½
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp
- Lean ground beef: 1 lb
- Salsa: ¼ cup + extra for serving
For the Toppings:
- Refried beans: 16 oz (1 can)
- Shredded lettuce: 2 cups
- Tomato (diced): 1
- Avocado (diced): 1
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): ½ cup
- Sour cream: As desired
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tostada Shells
- If using corn tortillas:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tortillas directly on the oven rack and bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and golden.
- For store-bought tostada shells: Skip this step as they’re ready to use.
- If using corn tortillas:
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned.
- Mix in salsa and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Heat the Refried Beans
- Warm the refried beans in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until hot and smooth.
- Assemble the Tostadas
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans onto each tostada shell.
- Add a generous spoonful of the seasoned ground beef.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, avocado, and shredded cheese.
- Finish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and extra salsa, if desired.
- Serve Immediately
- Place the tostadas on a serving platter or assemble them individually. Serve fresh to maintain their crispiness.
Notes
- Keep Shells Crisp: Avoid overloading the toppings to maintain the crunch.
- Customize Toppings: Add jalapeños, black olives, or pickled onions for variety.
- Make Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the beef and toppings in advance, but assemble fresh.
- Double the Recipe: Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican