Description
These Loaded Ground Beef Tostadas are a quick and delicious Mexican-inspired dish that can be ready in 30 minutes or less. Crispy tostada shells are topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, fresh veggies, cheese, and creamy avocado for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Tostada Shells
- 8 pieces Tostada Shells/Corn Tortillas (Use larger tortillas if preferred)
Beef Mixture
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Can substitute with olive oil)
- 1 medium Onion (Yellow or red, diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 cup Salsa (Fresh salsa preferred)
Additional Toppings
- 1 cup Refried Beans (Canned or homemade)
- 2 cups Shredded Lettuce (Iceberg or romaine)
- 1 medium Tomato (Diced, bell peppers can substitute)
- 1 medium Avocado (Can substitute with guacamole)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Crisp Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the corn tortillas on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until they become crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for an additional minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue stirring and cooking for 6-8 minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned.
- Add Salsa: Pour in the salsa and stir well, allowing the mixture to heat through evenly. Remove from heat once warmed.
- Heat Refried Beans: Transfer the refried beans to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring between each interval for even warming.
- Assemble Tostadas: Take each crispy tostada shell and spread a layer of hot refried beans over the surface. Top with the ground beef mixture, then layer on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, slices of avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- If you prefer softer tostada shells, you can lightly warm the tortillas instead of baking.
- Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Use fresh salsa if possible for better flavor, or adjust seasoning to your preference.
- These tostadas are best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crispiness of the shells.
