How I Make Crispy Beef Tostadas That Taste Better Than Takeout
Tostadas are one of those meals that feel like a little party on a plate. Crunchy, layered, colorful, and totally customizable. When I want something easy but satisfying that I know everyone will love, these beef tostadas are my go-to. They come together quickly with pantry staples like canned beans, ground beef, and taco seasoning, but they feel way more fun than your average Tuesday night dinner.
What I love most is that once you have your base—crispy tostada shells, seasoned beef, and warm refried beans—the toppings are totally up to you. Pile them high with lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado, or whatever you’ve got on hand. Every bite is crunchy, savory, and packed with flavor.
Why I Love This Tostada Recipe
- Quick and easy—on the table in under 30 minutes
- Budget-friendly using simple, everyday ingredients
- Customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs
- Perfect blend of textures—crunchy shell, creamy beans, and juicy beef
- Fun to serve for a build-your-own tostada night
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 6 tostadas | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15–20 minutes)
- 6 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade mix)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce, for topping
How I Make Beef Tostadas (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s fully cooked—about 6–8 minutes. Then I drain any excess grease. - Season It Right
Once the beef is browned, I add the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water. I stir to combine and let it simmer for 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat. - Warm the Beans
While the beef simmers, I heat the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave them for about 1–2 minutes. I stir in a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of hot sauce if I want a little extra flavor. - Assemble the Tostadas
I lay out the crispy tostada shells on a clean surface or baking sheet. First, I spread a layer of warm refried beans on each shell, followed by a scoop of the seasoned beef. Then comes the fun part: toppings. - Add All the Fixings
I pile on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, avocado slices, and red onion. Finally, I drizzle with sour cream and salsa. Sometimes I add a few dashes of hot sauce if I want to kick up the heat.
My Tips for the Best Homemade Tostadas
- Don’t overload the shells—keep a balance so they don’t crack when you pick them up
- Toast your own tortillas: Brush corn tortillas with oil and bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes per side until crisp
- Use a wire rack for toasting shells to keep them from getting soggy on the bottom
- Prep toppings ahead so everything’s ready to go when the beef is done
- Make it a bar—set out ingredients and let everyone build their own
Fun Variations I’ve Tried
- Shredded chicken tostadas with salsa verde and queso fresco
- Black bean and corn veggie version for a meatless night
- Pulled pork with pineapple salsa for a tropical twist
- Fried egg on top for a brunch-style tostada
- Chipotle mayo drizzle instead of sour cream for smoky flavor
What I Serve with Beef Tostadas
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Street corn (elote) or corn salad
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- A crisp cucumber lime agua fresca or margarita
- Churros or tres leches cake for dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make tostadas ahead of time?
A: You can prep all the components ahead, but wait to assemble until just before serving to keep the shells crisp.
Q: Can I freeze the meat?
A: Yes! The seasoned beef freezes great. Let it cool, store in an airtight container, and freeze up to 2 months.
Q: How do I keep tostada shells from getting soggy?
A: Use warm, thick refried beans as a base layer to create a barrier, and avoid adding too many wet toppings.
Q: Are tostadas gluten-free?
A: As long as you use corn tostada shells and gluten-free taco seasoning, yes!
Why These Tostadas Are Always in My Dinner Rotation
They’re quick, satisfying, and endlessly flexible. Whether I’m feeding picky kids or hungry adults, tostadas are a guaranteed win. They’re packed with flavor, easy to scale up or down, and way more fun than the usual taco night. Plus, with everything prepped and ready, dinner hits the table fast with almost no cleanup.
So next time you’re craving something crispy, saucy, and layered with goodness, give these a try—you won’t be disappointed.
Easy Homemade Tostadas with Ground Beef, Refried Beans, and All the Fixings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 12 tostada shells
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat and add the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In another pot, heat the refried beans with the remaining 2 cups of water until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- To assemble the tostadas, spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
- Top with a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef.
- Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and diced red onions on top.
- Serve with sour cream and jalapeños as desired.
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