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Beef Tostadas: A Flavorful Mexican Classic

Beef tostadas are a crunchy, savory dish with layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and a crispy corn tortilla base. Perfect for a light meal or appetizer, these tostadas bring together the perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the richness of the beef, the freshness of the veggies, and the crispiness of the tortilla. A great way to enjoy a delicious, customizable Mexican dish!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

  • 1/2 cup beef broth

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 68 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 cup refried beans (optional, for spreading)

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

  • 1 medium tomato, diced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

  • 1/4 cup sour cream

  • Salsa or hot sauce (optional)

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the beef:
    In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the beef is well-seasoned and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

  • Prepare the tostadas:
    If using store-bought tostada shells, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until crispy. If making homemade tostadas, fry corn tortillas in a bit of oil until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.

  • Assemble the tostadas:
    Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tostada shell (optional, but adds a creamy base). Spoon the seasoned beef mixture onto each tostada, spreading it evenly.

  • Add the toppings:
    Top the beef with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, red onion, and shredded cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream on each tostada and drizzle with salsa or hot sauce if desired.

  • Garnish and serve:
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while the tostadas are still crispy.