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Best-Ever Mexican Tostadas

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 tostadas per person)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying or Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Best-Ever Mexican Tostadas are crispy, flavorful, and loaded with delicious toppings like refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and fresh veggies. They’re quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Everyone can build their own just the way they like it!


Ingredients

For the Tostadas:

  • 8 corn tortillas

  • Cooking oil (for frying or brushing)

For the Meat Mixture:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa

For Assembly:

  • 1 can (15 oz) refried beans, warmed

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

  • 1 avocado, sliced or mashed

  • Hot sauce or salsa (optional)


Instructions

  1. Make the Tostada Shells:
    Preheat oven to 400°F or heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. For baking, lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with oil and bake for 5–7 minutes per side until crispy. For frying, cook each tortilla for about 30–60 seconds per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

  2. Prepare the Ground Beef:
    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

  5. Assemble the Tostadas:
    Spread a layer of warm refried beans on each crispy tostada shell. Top with a spoonful of seasoned beef, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and any additional toppings you like.

  6. Add a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and drizzle with hot sauce or salsa if desired.

  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!


Notes

  • You can swap ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.

  • Store components separately in the fridge for easy assembly later.

 

  • To save time, use store-bought tostada shells.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tostadas
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg