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Crispy corn tortillas piled high with tender, slow-cooked shredded beef simmered in a savory, spiced tomato sauce. A fun, customizable Tex-Mex classic perfect for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.
For 4 servings
Prepare and Sear the Beef
Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Slow Cook the Beef
Crispy corn tortillas piled high with tender, slow-cooked shredded beef simmered in a savory, spiced tomato sauce. A fun, customizable Tex-Mex classic perfect for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.
This tex_mex recipe takes 210 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 1202.92 calories per serving with 65.72g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Shred the Beef
Fry the Tostada Shells
Assemble and Serve
This recipe works wonderfully with other slow-cooking meats. Try using a 2 lb pork shoulder (pork butt) for carnitas-style tostadas, or use boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cook time will be shorter, about 1.5-2 hours on the stove).
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with 2 cans of jackfruit (in brine, not syrup), shredded, or a hearty mix of black beans and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit cheese and sour cream (or use vegan alternatives) for a vegan option.
For extra heat, add one or two minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the garlic and spices. You can also add a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onion.
Beef is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and overall function. A single serving of this dish provides a significant portion of your daily protein needs.
Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These healthy fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and provide a creamy, satisfying texture to the tostadas.
Beef is an excellent source of essential minerals like iron, which is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood, and zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing. It also provides B vitamins, particularly B12, vital for nerve function and energy production.
A serving of two fully-loaded tostadas contains approximately 1200-1250 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact toppings and amounts used. It's a rich and hearty meal.
These tostadas are an indulgent meal, high in protein and flavor but also high in calories, fat, and sodium. To make them healthier, you can bake the tortillas instead of frying, use a leaner cut of beef, and load up on fresh vegetable toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa while using cheese and sour cream sparingly.
Yes, an Instant Pot is great for this. Use the 'Sauté' function for searing the beef and cooking the aromatics. Then, add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, followed by a 15-20 minute natural pressure release.
Chuck roast is the ideal choice because its fat and collagen content breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful meat. Beef brisket or round roast are also good alternatives.
Store leftover shredded beef separately from the tostada shells and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the beef gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It's best to fry or bake fresh tostada shells for serving leftovers to ensure they are crispy.
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