These crispy Mexican tostadas deliver a perfect blend of textures and flavors in just 25 minutes. A healthier alternative to traditional fried versions, each serving packs 13g of protein and only 198 calories. The best part? You’ll need minimal prep time – just 15 minutes to assemble these delightful handheld treats. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or weekend fiesta, these tostadas offer a satisfying crunch that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients for Homemade Tostadas
- Tostada Base: 10 tostada shells or corn tortillas
- Protein Layer: 1 lb ground beef (feel free to swap with chicken or pork)
- Bean Layer: 1 can refried beans
- Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper
- Fresh Elements: ¼ onion (diced), ½ head lettuce (finely chopped)
- Toppings: Queso fresco, avocado, Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- Optional Garnish: Salsa, pico de gallo, or salsa verde
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Shell Preparation: If using corn tortillas, bake or fry until crispy for homemade tostada shells
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef over medium heat, drain excess grease
- Seasoning: Add diced onion and spice blend to meat, cook until fragrant
- Bean Preparation: Heat refried beans with a dollop of sour cream until warm
- Assembly: Layer beans on shell, followed by seasoned meat
- Final Touches: Top with fresh lettuce, cheese, avocado slices, and your choice of salsa
Cooking Techniques
Making tostadas at home is super easy! If you’re using fresh corn tortillas, you can either bake them for a healthier option or fry them for that classic crunch. For baking, brush your tortillas with a little oil and pop them in a 400°F oven for about 5 minutes per side. If you’re frying, heat oil in a skillet and cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until golden and crispy. The shells should make a hollow sound when tapped – that’s how you know they’re perfect!
Easy Variations
These tostadas are so flexible! Switch up the protein by using shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even fish for amazing seafood tostadas. Vegetarian? Black beans or roasted vegetables make wonderful alternatives to meat. You can also play with toppings – try pickled red onions, roasted corn, or different types of Mexican cheese like cotija or Oaxaca. Make it your own!
Serving Tips
Set up a fun tostada bar! Put all the toppings in separate bowls and let everyone build their own. Warm the refried beans and meat in advance, and keep them in slow cookers or heated serving dishes to stay hot. Add some lime wedges, different salsas, and maybe some Mexican rice on the side. Remember to serve tostadas right away after assembling – nobody likes a soggy shell!
Storage Notes
Store all your toppings separately in airtight containers – they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep any unused tostada shells in a zip-top bag at room temperature. Already assembled tostadas don’t store well, so it’s best to keep components separate and assemble just before eating. You can prep all the toppings ahead of time for quick assembly during the week!
Tostadas
Equipment
- Skillet
- microwave safe bowl
Ingredients
For Tostadas
- 10 tostada shells or regular corn tortillas, if making your own tostada shell
- 1 can Refried Beans
- 1 lb ground beef or substitute cooked shredded chicken, pork or beef
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1/4 onion diced
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH paprika and salt
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH garlic powder, oregano, black pepper
- 1/2 head lettuce finely chopped
- queso fresco or other cheese
- 1 large avocado
- Mexican crema or sour cream
- Salsa pico de gallo or salsa verde
Instructions
- Bake or Fry the corn tortillas, if not using store bought tostada shells.
- Add ground beef to a skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned. Remove grease. Add onion and seasonings and cook an additional few minutes.
- Add the refried beans to a microwave safe bowl, or a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in a small scoop of sour cream. Cook until warmed through.
- Assemble the tostadas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans over the tostada shell. Top with a small spoonful of ground beef, then lettuce, cheese, avocado, salsa, sour cream and hot sauce.
- Serve immediately.
