If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make, let me introduce you to Ground Beef Tostadas. These crispy, crunchy delights are topped with savory, spiced ground beef and all your favorite toppings. Think of them as a mini flavor explosion on a plate, perfect for family dinners, casual parties, or even as a quick lunch. Trust me, they’re impossible to resist!
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Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Tostadas
Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this is your go-to recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Customizable: Pile on your favorite toppings—avocado, salsa, sour cream—you name it!
Perfect for Sharing: Set up a DIY tostada bar and let everyone build their own.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients, so you get big flavor without breaking the bank.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crunchy, savory, and satisfying, these tostadas are a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Ground Beef Tostadas
Here’s what makes these tostadas so irresistible:
Ground Beef: The heart of the recipe, seasoned to perfection for a rich, savory flavor.
Tostada Shells: Crispy, crunchy bases that hold all the delicious toppings.
Taco Seasoning: Adds that classic Mexican-inspired spice blend.
Refried Beans: Creamy and flavorful, they act as the perfect base layer on the shells.
Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese makes everything better!
Toppings: Fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate finish.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, then let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Warm the Refried Beans: Heat the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until smooth and spreadable.
Prepare the Tostada Shells: If using store-bought shells, they’re ready to go. If making your own, lightly fry corn tortillas in hot oil until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Tostadas: Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell, followed by the seasoned ground beef.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then pile on fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream. Feel free to get creative with extra toppings like jalapeños or hot sauce!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the shells are still crispy. Trust me, these tostadas are best when fresh!
How to Serve Ground Beef Tostadas
As a Main Dish: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal.
DIY Tostada Bar: Set out the shells, beef, beans, and toppings so everyone can build their perfect tostada.
With Dipping Sauces: Pair with guacamole, pico de gallo, or salsa verde for extra flavor.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead: Prepare the ground beef and beans in advance, then assemble just before serving.
Healthier Option: Use baked tostada shells instead of fried, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.
Storage Tips: Store leftover ground beef and beans in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble fresh tostadas when ready to eat.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the ground beef for extra heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and is a lighter alternative.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables, beans, or a meat substitute.
Q3: How do I keep the tostada shells crispy?
A3: Assemble the tostadas just before serving. If you’re making them ahead, store the shells in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
Q4: Can I freeze the ground beef mixture?
A4: Definitely! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before using.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat tostadas?
A5: Reheat the shells in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Warm the toppings separately.
Q6: Can I use soft tortillas instead of tostada shells?
A6: You can! It’ll turn into more of a taco, but it’s just as delicious.
Q7: Can I make these gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Just use gluten-free tostada shells or tortillas, and make sure the taco seasoning is gluten-free as well.
Q8: How can I make the ground beef more flavorful?
A8: You can add garlic, onion, and a squeeze of lime juice to the ground beef while it cooks for extra depth of flavor.
Q9: Can I make the refried beans from scratch?
A9: Absolutely! Homemade refried beans made from pinto beans are a great option and will take the dish to the next level.
Q10: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A10: Add chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the ground beef, or sprinkle some chili flakes on top for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Tostadas are a fun, flavorful way to liven up mealtime. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, these crispy, savory bites are always a winner. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight recipe!
Print
Ground Beef Tostadas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy tostadas topped with flavorful ground beef, black beans, and your favorite toppings! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, hot sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas using a skillet, microwave, or toaster oven as per package instructions.
- Assemble Tostadas: Place each tortilla on a plate, add a generous amount of the ground beef mixture, and spread evenly.
- Add Toppings: Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, and hot sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious tostadas!
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce for more spice.
- Mix in a can of corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftover ground beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with toppings like guacamole, pickled jalapeños, or Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tostadas
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg