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!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
8 tostada shells
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
Optional: jalapeños, guacamole, pickled onions, hot sauce, avocado slices
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.
Notes
Always spread beans first to keep the tostada shell crisp longer.
Assemble right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Use lean ground beef to reduce grease or sub with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Oven or Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tostada
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: ground beef, tostadas, taco night, Mexican dinner, crispy shells