Introduction
Discover a delicious way to enjoy a Mexican classic with these homemade tostadas. Crisp corn tortillas piled high with flavorful ground beef, refried beans, and fresh toppings create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering both flavor and wholesomeness in each bite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
10 corn tortillas
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
½ yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
½ head iceberg lettuce, shaved or finely chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, chopped small
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 10 tostadas
Enjoy preparing and indulging in these tasty tostadas! They offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Customize your toppings to make this dish your own and delight your friends and family.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Brush both sides of each corn tortilla with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet. If necessary, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding. Bake the tortillas for about 5 minutes, then flip them over and continue baking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
While the tortillas are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and ½ chopped yellow onion. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
To the cooked beef and onion mixture, add 1 chopped clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, and ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook for an additional minute, stirring until the garlic is fragrant, then remove the skillet from heat and cover to keep the beef warm.
Step 4: Heat Refried Beans
Scoop 16 ounces of refried beans into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the beans in the microwave until they are warmed through, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Tostadas
Once the tostadas are baked and warm, spread a generous layer of the warmed refried beans on each tostada. Top the beans with the cooked beef, followed by shaved or finely chopped iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious tostadas.
Notes
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the components separately for freshness. Keep the tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature, while the meat and toppings should be refrigerated.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving the tostadas with additional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Dietary Variations
For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with a plant-based substitute or sautéed vegetables. The refried beans can also be substituted with black beans or pinto beans for variation.
Cook techniques
Baking Tortillas
Brush corn tortillas with olive oil and bake at 425°F on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, flip, and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Sautéing Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook lean ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Stir frequently while breaking apart the meat for even cooking.
Flavoring the Meat
Add chopped garlic, taco seasoning, and kosher salt to the sautéed beef, cooking for an additional minute to release the flavors.
Heating Refried Beans
Place refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until warm, ensuring they are ready to spread on the tostadas.
Assembling Tostadas
Spread warm beans on baked tostadas, then layer with cooked meat, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro to serve.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like lentils or black beans.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with a variety of vegetables, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives, and ensure the beans are vegetarian.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving.
What can I serve with these tostadas?
These tostadas can be served with sides like salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the individual components before serving.
Conclusion
Enjoy these delicious and satisfying tostadas that offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crunch of the homemade tortillas, paired with the savory ground beef, creamy avocado, and fresh toppings, makes for an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Spicy Chicken Tostadas
Replace the ground beef with shredded spicy chicken for a flavorful twist. Add jalapeños for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Tostadas
Use black beans or lentils in place of the ground beef and top with a mix of sautéed bell peppers and onions for a hearty vegetarian option.
BBQ Pulled Pork Tostadas
Substitute ground beef with BBQ pulled pork and add pickled onions and cilantro for a sweet and tangy variation.
Breakfast Tostadas
Top the baked tortillas with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and a drizzle of salsa for a delicious breakfast treat.
Seafood Tostadas
Use cooked shrimp or fish topped with a citrus salsa and avocado for a fresh seafood-inspired dish.
Caprese Tostadas
Spread the tortillas with pesto and layer with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing Italian version.
