Tostada Casserole
All the crunch and zesty flavor of a classic tostada, layered into a hearty, oven-baked casserole. Seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and gooey melted cheese sit between layers of crispy corn tortillas, topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. A fuss-free weeknight dinner that brings the whole family running to the table.
For 6 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Preheat the oven and prep ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, shred the lettuce, and dice the tomatoes. Shred the cheese if not pre-shredded.
- fry · ~11 min
Brown the seasoned beef.
1.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.2.Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.3.Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.4.Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.5.Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute.TIPDrain excess fat after browning the beef if using a less lean blend. - mix · ~4 min
Create the saucy beef and bean mixture.
1.Add the tomato sauce to the skillet with the beef.2.Stir in the refried beans until fully combined and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.3.Remove from heat and set aside. - assemble · ~5 min
Layer the casserole.
1.Spread a thin layer of the beef-bean mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.2.Arrange 6 corn tortillas over the mixture, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.3.Spread half of the remaining beef-bean mixture evenly over the tortillas.4.Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat layer.5.Top with the remaining 6 tortillas, the rest of the meat mixture, and finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.TIPNo need to pre-cook the tortillas; they will crisp up perfectly in the oven. - bake · ~20 min
Bake until bubbly and golden.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.
TIPTo get a golden, slightly crisp top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes — watch carefully to avoid burning. - rest · ~5 min
Rest the casserole.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.
- garnish · ~2 min
Add fresh toppings and serve.
1.Slice the casserole into 6 squares.2.Top each serving with a generous handful of shredded lettuce, diced fresh 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 extra crunch, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking — watch closely to prevent burning.
- 2Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set cleanly.
- 3Use lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid a greasy casserole; drain excess fat after browning if needed.
- 4Spread the beef-bean mixture evenly in each tortilla layer to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- 5No need to pre-cook the corn tortillas — they crisp up perfectly in the oven during baking.
- 6Fresh toppings like shredded lettuce and diced tomato add contrast; add them just before serving to keep them crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetarian refried beans. This keeps the Tex-Mex comfort food vibe while cutting out meat.
Lower CarbLower-Carb
Swap the corn tortillas for 6-inch low-carb tortillas or use thinly sliced zucchini strips as the layers. This reduces carbs while still building a satisfying casserole.
SpicySpicy
Add 1-2 finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a minced jalapeño to the beef mixture, and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. This amps up the heat for spice lovers.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Ground beef and refried beans both provide high-quality protein, supporting muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
Good Source of Fiber
Refried beans and corn tortillas contribute dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Contains Lycopene
Tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
Calcium from Cheese
Cheddar cheese adds calcium, important for strong bones and teeth, especially when paired with vitamin D from other foods.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, assemble the casserole (without the fresh toppings) up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
