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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 tostada shells - 1 cup refried beans - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - ½ cup sour cream - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges (for serving) To make tasty ground beef tostadas, you need fresh and simple ingredients. The ground beef gives it richness. The onion and garlic add depth. Chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring warmth and flavor. Use good tostada shells for the perfect crunch. Refried beans add creaminess. Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese balance the dish. Sour cream adds a cool touch, while lime wedges give a zesty kick. - Avocado slices - Jalapeños, sliced - Black olives, sliced - Pickled onions - Hot sauce Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Avocado slices add creaminess. Jalapeños bring heat, while black olives offer a salty bite. Pickled onions can add tang. Hot sauce can spice things up even more. - Mexican rice - Grilled corn - Black bean salad - Guacamole - Salsa Pair your tostadas with delightful sides. Mexican rice is a classic option. Grilled corn adds sweetness. Black bean salad offers protein and freshness. Guacamole is always a favorite, and salsa adds zest. Enjoy these sides for a complete meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they soften, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break apart the beef with a spoon. Cook it until it turns brown, stirring occasionally. This step is key to flavor. Now, mix in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes. This allows the spices to blend into the beef. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Take each tostada shell and spread refried beans evenly on top. This adds a creamy base. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over the beans. Make sure to distribute it evenly. Next, pile on shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. These add crunch and freshness. Sprinkle a handful of grated cheese on top. Then, add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for that fresh touch. Serve your tostadas with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty kick. You can also pair these tostadas with a side of rice or chips. Enjoy your tasty and colorful dish! To cook ground beef well, start with a hot skillet. I recommend using medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Once the oil shimmers, toss in chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. Then, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon. Stir it occasionally. Cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. This helps develop flavor. Don’t forget to drain excess grease for a leaner dish. Spices can make or break a dish. For ground beef tostadas, I use chili powder, cumin, and paprika. These add warmth and depth. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or even some cayenne. For milder flavors, cut back on the spices. Taste as you go! This way, you can adjust to what you love. Remember, salt and pepper are key, too. A little pinch can enhance all the flavors. Meal prep makes life easier. To make tostadas ahead of time, cook the ground beef mixture and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up. For the tostada shells, store them separately. This keeps them crispy. Assemble the tostadas right before serving. Spread refried beans, then the beef, and top with fresh veggies. This way, each bite is crunchy and fresh. Enjoy your quick meal! Pro Tips Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the ground beef as it cooks. Crispy Tostada Shells: To achieve the perfect crunch, bake the tostada shells in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and ripe tomatoes for the best taste; they brighten the flavors of the dish. Customizable Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings! Avocado slices, jalapeños, or black olives can add a personal touch. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free meal, try using black beans or lentils. Both options give great flavor and protein. Mash the beans or cook the lentils with spices like cumin and paprika. This adds depth. You can also top your tostadas with grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add color and crunch. Ground chicken or turkey works well if you want something lighter. Use the same spices as the beef for a similar taste. For a different twist, use shredded pork or beef. Just cook and season them the way you like. Fish or shrimp can also be tasty options. Just make sure to cook them well and spice them up! The toppings are where you can get creative. Besides lettuce and tomatoes, try avocados or guacamole for creaminess. Jalapeños add a nice kick if you like heat. You can also use radishes for crunch or corn for sweetness. Don't forget fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. They make your tostadas pop! To store leftover tostadas, place them in an airtight container. Keep the beef mixture and toppings separate. This way, the tostadas stay crunchy. Refrigerate everything. Use the leftovers within three days for the best taste. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the beef mixture in a skillet. Heat it over medium heat until warm. For the tostada shells, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes. This keeps them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shells soggy. You can freeze the beef mixture for later. Let it cool first, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The beef can stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can use turkey, chicken, or pork. These meats cook well and taste great. You can also try beans or lentils for a vegetarian option. They add protein and flavor. Season them like ground beef to get a nice taste. Making tostada shells is simple! Start with corn tortillas. Heat oil in a pan. Fry each tortilla until it turns golden brown and crispy. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the shells on paper towels to remove extra oil. Let them cool and they are ready to use! Yes, fresh vegetables make tasty toppings! You can add sliced radishes, avocados, or jalapeños. These add crunch and flavor. Chopped onions and bell peppers also work well. Feel free to mix and match your favorites for a colorful dish. This blog post has covered all you need for tasty tostadas. We detailed the ingredients, cooking steps, and smart tips to make your meal shine. You can try different toppings and meats to make it unique. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these ideas, your tostadas will impress friends and family alike. Enjoy your cooking journey and have fun!

Crunchy Ground Beef Tostadas

Delicious tostadas topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 tostada shells
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spices to meld into the beef. Remove from heat.
  • To assemble the tostadas, spread a layer of refried beans evenly onto each tostada shell.
  • Spoon the ground beef mixture on top of the beans, ensuring even distribution.
  • Generously sprinkle shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes over the beef.
  • Top each tostada with a handful of cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
  • Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword easy recipe, ground beef, Mexican food, tostadas