Crispy, flavorful, and loaded with vibrant toppings, these Best-Ever Mexican Tostadas are a delicious celebration of classic Mexican street food. With a crunchy base and layers of beans, protein, veggies, and zesty garnishes, they make the perfect customizable meal for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tostadas are not only incredibly tasty but also quick and easy to make. They offer a great way to use up leftover proteins or beans, and the toppings can be completely personalized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or serving a crowd, this dish brings bold flavor and fun to the table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Corn tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
Refried beans (canned or homemade)
Cooked protein of choice (ground beef, shredded chicken, or sautéed vegetables)
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Sour cream or Mexican crema
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
Salsa or hot sauce
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges

directions

Prepare your protein: If using ground beef, cook it in a skillet with taco seasoning until browned. If using chicken or veggies, make sure they are fully cooked and seasoned.
Warm the refried beans: Heat beans in a saucepan or microwave until smooth and hot.
Crisp the tostada shells (if using tortillas): Lightly brush corn tortillas with oil and bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes per side or until golden and crispy.
Assemble the tostadas: Spread a layer of warm beans onto each shell, followed by your protein.
Top with fresh ingredients: Add lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, cheese, salsa, and cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating for extra zing.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking time.

Variations

Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, grilled corn, or seasoned tofu instead of meat.
Seafood: Swap in grilled shrimp or fish for a Baja-style twist.
Low-carb: Replace tostada shells with large crispy lettuce leaves or use low-carb tortillas.
Spicy: Add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot chili oil for an extra kick.
Kid-friendly: Let kids build their own tostadas with mild toppings they love.

storage/reheating

Store individual components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm beans and protein in the microwave or on the stove. Tostada shells should be kept in a sealed container at room temperature and can be recrisped in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Avoid assembling ahead to maintain crispness.

FAQs

What are tostadas?

Tostadas are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a crispy tortilla base topped with a variety of savory ingredients like beans, meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Corn tortillas are traditional and provide the best crunch, but flour tortillas can be used and baked until crispy as an alternative.

How do I keep tostadas from getting soggy?

Make sure to assemble them just before serving and layer ingredients that might cause sogginess (like salsa or sour cream) on top, not the base.

Are tostadas gluten-free?

Yes, if you use corn tortillas and check that all your toppings are gluten-free, tostadas can be completely gluten-free.

Can I make tostadas ahead of time?

You can prep all components ahead of time, but assemble them right before serving to avoid sogginess.

What protein works best for tostadas?

Ground beef, shredded chicken, pork carnitas, or even grilled vegetables all work wonderfully, depending on your taste.

What’s the best way to make homemade tostada shells?

Brush corn tortillas with oil and bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.

Can I freeze tostadas?

It’s best not to freeze assembled tostadas. However, you can freeze cooked proteins and refried beans for future use.

What’s a good cheese for Mexican tostadas?

Queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheddar and Mexican-style cheeses all pair well.

Are tostadas spicy?

They don’t have to be! You control the heat level with the type of salsa, hot sauce, or chiles you add.

Conclusion

These Best-Ever Mexican Tostadas are a flavorful, customizable, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, their crisp texture and colorful toppings make every bite exciting. Try them once, and they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.