Tostadas are a quintessential Mexican dish that combines crispy corn tortillas with savory toppings. In this recipe, we’re making Beef Tostadas, which feature seasoned ground beef as the star, topped with fresh veggies, cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream or salsa. These crispy treats are both satisfying and versatile, perfect for any meal or occasion, from weeknight dinners to parties.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor, Beef Tostadas are the answer. They are crunchy, flavorful, and packed with textures, from the crunchy shell to the creamy toppings.

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Why You’ll Love These Beef Tostadas

• Crispy and Crunchy: The tostada shells are perfectly crisp and hold all the toppings beautifully.

• Customizable: Feel free to top these with your favorite garnishes, like guacamole, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, these tostadas come together in less than 30 minutes.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make the beef filling ahead of time and store it for an easy meal later.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup beef broth or water (to keep the mixture moist)

• 1/4 cup tomato paste or diced tomatoes (optional, for a richer sauce)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)

For the Tostadas:

• 6–8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or cotija)

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema

• 1/4 cup salsa (optional)

• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Guacamole

• Diced tomatoes

• Sliced red onions

• Avocado slices

• Hot sauce

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft.

2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Season the Beef: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well to coat the beef in the spices.

4. Add Liquid: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and tomato paste (if using). Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the beef mixture thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 2: Prepare the Tostadas

1. Warm the Tostada Shells: If you’re using store-bought tostada shells, heat them according to the package instructions to get them crispy. Alternatively, you can lightly toast them in the oven or on the stovetop until they are golden and crunchy.

2. Optional Homemade Tostada Shells: To make your own tostada shells, simply fry corn tortillas in hot oil for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

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Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas

1. Layer the Base: Start by spreading a layer of shredded lettuce on each tostada shell. The lettuce will provide a crunchy, fresh base for the beef.

2. Add the Beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture on top of the lettuce, spreading it out evenly.

3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef. You can use cheddar, Mexican blend, or cotija for an authentic touch.

4. Add Sour Cream or Crema: Drizzle a generous amount of sour cream or Mexican crema on top of the beef and cheese layer.

5. Garnish and Serve: Add salsa, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or any other toppings you like. You can also add guacamole or avocado slices for extra richness and flavor.

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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the tostadas are fully assembled, serve immediately while the shells are still crisp. You can also serve them with a side of beans, rice, or extra salsa for a complete meal.

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Tips for Perfect Beef Tostadas

1. Use Ground Beef with Some Fat

For a juicy and flavorful filling, use ground beef with about 20% fat (such as 80/20). This will give the beef filling great texture and richness.

2. Add Your Favorite Vegetables

Feel free to add more vegetables to the beef mixture, such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans. These add texture, flavor, and nutrition to your tostadas.

3. Make the Beef Filling Ahead of Time

You can cook the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes assembling the tostadas even quicker on busy nights.

4. Crisp the Tostada Shells

To ensure the tostada shells stay crispy, avoid putting too much liquid on them, as this can make them soggy. Layering with lettuce before adding the beef helps absorb some of the moisture.

5. Experiment with Toppings

These tostadas are incredibly customizable. Add your favorite toppings, such as jalapeños for heat, guacamole for creaminess, or fresh salsa for a juicy pop of flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Beef Tostadas are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with other Mexican sides to create a full meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Refried Beans: A classic side that pairs perfectly with tostadas.

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice makes a great addition.

• Chips and Salsa: Serve with homemade tortilla chips and a fresh salsa for an appetizer.

• Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime is a great side dish.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:

• Beef Filling: You can make the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the tostadas.

• Tostada Shells: If making homemade shells, you can fry them in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Storing Leftovers:

• Leftover Tostadas: Store the leftover beef and toppings separately, as the tostada shells will get soggy if stored with the filling. The beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the beef on the stovetop or in the microwave. For the best texture, toast the shells again in the oven to make them crispy before assembling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these tostadas with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef. Just be sure to season the meat well to make up for the reduced fat content.

Can I make the tostadas spicy?

Absolutely! Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture to increase the heat. You can also top the tostadas with hot sauce or spicy salsa.

How can I make the tostadas vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with refried beans, black beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.

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Conclusion:

These Beef Tostadas are the perfect combination of crispy, crunchy, and flavorful. With the savory beef, creamy toppings, and fresh veggies, they make for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and customize. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, these tostadas are sure to be a hit!

So, gather your ingredients, assemble your tostadas, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Mexican classic!

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