Crispy, savory, and endlessly customizable, Ground Beef Tostadas are your weeknight dinner’s new best friend. Built on crunchy corn tortillas and stacked with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, melty cheese, and creamy toppings, these tostadas are the ultimate flavor-packed handheld meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a fun dinner-for-one, these tostadas deliver a fiesta of textures and taste with minimal effort.

The best part? They come together in under 30 minutes using pantry staples and fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand. They’re perfect for Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or any night you want something bold, easy, and satisfying. Plus, the toppings are totally customizable to match your flavor mood—pile on the guac, keep it classic with lettuce and tomato, or get fancy with a drizzle of crema.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use for Tostadas?

For that signature crunch, use store-bought or homemade corn tortillas and bake or fry them until golden and crisp. Flour tortillas won’t give you the same crispy base. If you’re baking, lightly brush them with oil and bake until firm. Frying gives an extra-deep crunch that’s hard to beat!

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Tostadas

Ground Beef – The heart of this recipe. Choose lean ground beef for less grease, but full-fat beef gives juicy flavor. Seasoned with taco spices, it’s the savory foundation for your tostadas.

Tostada Shells – Either store-bought or homemade, these crispy corn tortillas provide the sturdy base that holds all the toppings. They add that must-have crunch in every bite.

Taco Seasoning – Whether you use a packet or a homemade blend, taco seasoning brings depth and warmth to your beef mixture.

Refried Beans – A creamy layer that adds richness and helps hold everything in place. You can go with canned or make your own.

Shredded Cheese – Melts over the warm beef and beans, creating a gooey, irresistible middle layer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works great.

Shredded Lettuce – Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm fillings. Romaine or iceberg keeps things crisp.

Diced Tomatoes – Juicy and bright, they offer balance to the savory richness of the meat and beans.

Red Onion & Cilantro – For a flavorful, zesty topping. Red onion adds bite, and cilantro brings freshness.

Sour Cream or Crema – That cool, creamy final touch that ties it all together.

Optional Extras – Jalapeños, guacamole, pickled onions, hot sauce, or avocado slices—make it your own!

How To Make the Ground Beef Tostadas

Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water and let it simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Crisp the Tortillas

While the beef is simmering, prep your tostada shells. You can bake or fry corn tortillas for that golden crunch. To bake: Brush both sides with oil, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes per side until crisp. To fry: Heat oil in a skillet and fry each tortilla until golden, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Warm the Refried Beans

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the refried beans until warm and spreadable. This step makes them easier to layer and helps them act like glue for the toppings.

Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas

Start by spreading a layer of warm refried beans on each crisp tostada shell. Add a generous scoop of seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle on shredded cheese so it melts slightly from the warmth of the meat.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Pile on the toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or drizzle of crema. Add optional extras like guacamole or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy that satisfying crunch with every bite!

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef Tostadas

Serve Ground Beef Tostadas immediately after assembling to enjoy the best contrast between the warm fillings and crisp shell. They make a fun main course when paired with sides like Mexican rice, street corn, or a simple avocado salad. Since everyone can customize their toppings, they also work well for build-your-own dinner nights.

If you’re prepping ahead, store the components separately: beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, tostada shells in a sealed bag at room temp, and toppings in individual containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat the beef and beans, crisp up the shells if needed, and assemble.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the tostadas from getting soggy?

Always layer the refried beans directly on the shell first. They act as a moisture barrier between the shell and the juicy toppings. Also, assemble right before serving for the best crunch.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works great in this recipe—just season it well. You can also try shredded chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the meat and beans separately in the microwave or on the stovetop. If your shells lose their crunch, pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to crisp back up.

Are tostadas gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure you’re using 100% corn tortillas and check that your refried beans and taco seasoning are gluten-free.

Can I freeze the cooked beef?

Yes, cooked and seasoned ground beef freezes well. Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before using.

What toppings go best on tostadas?

Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and sour cream are always winners. But you can mix it up with pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, avocado, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese for extra flair.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Crunch?

If you’re loving these Ground Beef Tostadas, don’t miss these other crave-worthy meals from the blog:

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas for that golden, melty, restaurant-style comfort.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup if you’re looking for something cozy with bold flavor.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo when you want spice, creaminess, and a hearty bite.
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Mustard Dip for a kid-approved crunchy dinner.
Tex-Mex Casserole for a hearty, baked twist on your favorite Mexican flavors.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it whenever a taco craving strikes: Follow me on Pinterest @hallarecipes

And if you try these Ground Beef Tostadas, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you go classic with lettuce and tomato, or add your own twist with pickled onions or avocado?

Share your tips, ask your questions, and let’s turn taco night into a weekly tradition. 💬🌮

Ground Beef Tostadas

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 tostadas

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy tostada shells topped with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. A perfect weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes!

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. To bake: Brush both sides of corn tortillas with oil. Bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes per side until crisp. To fry: Heat oil in a skillet and fry each tortilla for 1 minute per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

3. Heat refried beans in a saucepan or microwave until warm and spreadable.

4. Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell. Top with a generous scoop of seasoned beef. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top so it slightly melts.

5. Finish with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or crema. Add any optional toppings and serve immediately.