Ground Beef Tostadas
Crispy corn tortillas piled high with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and your favorite fresh toppings. A fun, customizable Tex-Mex dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into smaller crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease from the pan.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Season the Beef and Simmer
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and coat the meat evenly.
- c.Pour in the tomato sauce and water. Stir well to combine everything.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Warm Beans and Prepare Toppings
- b.While the beef simmers, place the refried beans in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, heat them in a microwave-safe bowl.
- c.Prepare all your toppings: shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and have the shredded cheese and sour cream ready for assembly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve the Tostadas
- b.Arrange the tostada shells on serving plates.
- c.Spread a layer of warm refried beans onto each tostada shell, leaving a small border around the edge.
- d.Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the beans.
- e.Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- f.Finish with a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy tostada shells, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes before assembling.
- 2Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning the beef. If necessary, cook it in two batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steams.
- 3The ground beef filling is excellent for meal prep. It can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 4Set up a 'tostada bar' with all the toppings in separate bowls and let everyone build their own. It's a fun and interactive way to serve a crowd.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with one 15-ounce can of black beans (rinsed and drained) or 1 lb of crumbled plant-based ground 'meat'. Sauté with the spices as you would the beef.
Protein SwapProtein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile.
Topping IdeasTopping Ideas
Get creative with toppings like crumbled cotija cheese, fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, pickled red onions, or sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or stir in a finely minced jalapeño with the onion for a spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall energy.
Rich in Fiber
The refried beans and fresh vegetable toppings contribute a good amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Provides Key Minerals
This dish is a good source of iron and zinc from the ground beef, which are vital for oxygen transport in the blood and supporting a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two tostadas, contains approximately 700-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the leanness of the beef, the brand of tostada shells, and the amount of cheese and sour cream used.