Tostada Casserole
All the delicious layers of a crunchy tostada, baked into one easy, cheesy casserole! This comforting dish features seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and crispy tortillas, all smothered in melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
For 6 servings
8 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet
- a.Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Stir in the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, salt, and pepper
- a.Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- 5
Assemble the casserole
- a.Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Dollop the refried beans over the chips and gently spread into an even layer. Pour the beef mixture over the beans. Top with the remaining crushed chips, followed by an even layer of the shredded cheese.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on the edges.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This step is crucial as it allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.
- 8
Cut into 6 slices and serve warm
- a.Garnish each serving with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melting performance, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly.
- 2Don't pulverize the tortilla chips into dust. You want some larger pieces to provide texture and structure to the layers.
- 3For a creamier texture, mix a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the refried beans before spreading them in the casserole.
- 4To make it spicier, add a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion, or use a hot enchilada sauce.
- 5Letting the casserole rest before cutting is essential. It prevents the layers from falling apart when you serve it.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the chips will soften upon reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based crumble for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and a cup of corn to the sauce mixture for a hearty vegetarian version.
Layer VariationLayer Variation
Instead of crushed tortilla chips, use layers of whole corn tortillas (lightly fried or warmed to be pliable) for a result closer to a stacked enchilada casserole.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With a generous amount of ground beef and cheese, this dish provides a significant source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Lycopene
The tomatoes and red enchilada sauce are good sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides B Vitamins
Ground beef is rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells, helping to prevent anemia.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Tostada Casserole contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used (like the fat content of the beef and cheese) and the toppings added.