Introduction
Indulging in a flavorful and satisfying meal is easy with this delightful tostada recipe. With a perfect balance of textures and tastes, these tostadas combine crispy corn tortillas with a hearty filling of seasoned beef and layers of fresh toppings. Whether for a casual dinner or a lively gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
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
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
To prepare this scrumptious meal, start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Next, brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet for a crisp, golden finish. As the tortillas bake, engage in cooking the ground beef with onions until they are fully cooked and fragrant. Don’t forget to warm the refried beans in the microwave while layering the toppings.
Once everything is ready, simply spread warm beans over a tortilla and generously top it with the seasoned meat, fresh lettuce, halved tomatoes, chopped avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Enjoy this delicious array of flavors as you serve your tostadas immediately.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Tostadas
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Brush both sides of each corn tortilla with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. If necessary, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding. Bake the tortillas for 5 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.
Step 2: Cook Ground Beef and Onion
While the tostadas are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and chopped yellow onion to the skillet. 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 Flavorings
Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped garlic, taco seasoning, and kosher salt to the skillet. Cook the mixture for an additional minute, stirring until the garlic is fragrant and well incorporated. Remove the skillet from heat and cover it to keep the mixture warm.
Step 4: Heat Refried Beans
Scoop the refried beans from the can into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the beans in the microwave until they are warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Step 5: Assemble Tostadas
Take one of the warm tostadas and spread a layer of the warmed refried beans over the top. Next, add a generous portion of the cooked ground beef mixture. Layer on the shaved or finely chopped iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve the assembled tostadas immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Tostadas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Variations
Feel free to customize your tostadas with additional toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, or salsa for extra flavor.
Storage
If there are leftovers, store the toppings and tostadas separately. Tostadas can become soggy if stored with toppings. Reheat any remaining beans and ground beef before serving again.
Cook techniques
Oven Baking Tortillas
Brush both sides of corn tortillas with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven until golden and crisp, ensuring even cooking by flipping halfway through.
Sautéing Ground Beef
Cook ground beef with chopped onions in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned and no longer pink.
Seasoning the Meat
Add garlic, taco seasoning, and kosher salt to the cooked beef for added flavor, cooking briefly until the ingredients are fragrant.
Heating Refried Beans
Warm refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through, making them easy to spread on tostadas.
Assembly of Tostadas
Layer each baked tostada with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and top with fresh vegetables and cheese for a delicious meal.
FAQ
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but the texture and flavor will differ. Baking times may also vary.
What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
Lean ground beef is recommended to reduce excess fat, but you can use other ground meats like turkey or chicken if desired.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein or mushrooms, and ensure the refried beans are vegetarian.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover toppings and tostadas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the cooked tostadas?
While it’s best to eat them fresh, you can freeze the baked tostadas in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up before serving.
Conclusion
These delicious tostadas, topped with savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, and fresh vegetables, provide a satisfying meal that is sure to please anyone. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize your toppings based on personal preferences or dietary needs.
Vegetarian Tostadas
Substitute the ground beef with a mix of black beans and corn for a nutritious and flavorful vegetarian option.
Spicy Chicken Tostadas
Use shredded chicken tossed in spicy salsa instead of ground beef for an extra kick.
Fish Tostadas
Top your tostadas with grilled or fried fish, avocado, and a fresh mango salsa for a refreshing twist.
Breakfast Tostadas
Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to create a hearty breakfast variation.
Tex-Mex Tostadas
Incorporate jalapeños, guacamole, and sour cream for a zesty version that adds layers of flavor.
Caprese Tostadas
Use fresh mozzarella, basil, and diced tomatoes for an Italian-inspired tostada.
BBQ Beef Tostadas
Swap the taco seasoning for BBQ sauce mixed with the ground beef, and top with coleslaw for a unique blend of flavors.
Loaded Nacho Tostadas
Layer on melted cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream to transform your tostadas into a nacho-inspired dish.
Each of these variations can elevate your tostada experience and bring new flavors to your table!
