Ground Beef Tostadas

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Crunchy, savory, and endlessly customizable, Ground Beef Tostadas are the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. These crispy tortilla bases piled high with flavorful beef, refried beans, and all your favorite toppings bring the vibrant tastes of Mexican street food straight to your table. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just feeding the family, these tostadas come together in less than 30 minutes and satisfy every craving.

Perfect for using up pantry staples, these tostadas are both budget-friendly and satisfying. You can even set up a DIY tostada bar, making it a fun dinner-night activity. Everyone gets to load theirs up with exactly what they like—avocado, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and more. They’re crispy, zesty, and packed with layers of flavor and texture.

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What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

For classic tostadas, small corn tortillas are ideal. They crisp up beautifully when baked or fried, giving you that signature crunch. You can also buy pre-made tostada shells for convenience. If you’re gluten-free, many corn tortilla brands are safe—just double-check the label.

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Ingredients for the Ground Beef Tostadas

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
• 1/3 cup water
• 8 small corn tortillas or tostada shells
• 1 can refried beans (15 oz)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving

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How To Make the Ground Beef Tostadas

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavorful.

Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas

While the beef is cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and lightly brush with oil. Bake for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Alternatively, use store-bought tostada shells.

Step 4: Warm the Beans

In a small saucepan, warm the refried beans over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Tostadas

Spread a layer of warm refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of the seasoned ground beef. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

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Serving and Storing Ground Beef Tostadas

Serve the tostadas immediately while the shells are still crisp. They’re perfect for a casual dinner, party appetizer, or game-day snack. Pair with Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store the components separately. The beef and beans can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep tostadas from getting soggy?

Always assemble just before serving. If the beans or beef are too wet, let them cool slightly before adding.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the beef for seasoned black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.

What cheese works best?

Shredded Mexican blend, cheddar, or even queso fresco are all great options.

Can I use flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but small flour tortillas can work—just note they crisp up differently.

How do I make them spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or use spicy taco seasoning.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Mexican Flavors?

If these Ground Beef Tostadas hit the spot, you’ll love diving into these other flavorful dishes:

• Authentic 7 Layer Mexican Dip with layers of beans, guac, and cheese.
• Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet for a healthy, hearty twist.
• Candied Jalapeños to add a sweet heat to your table.
• Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole that’s easy and filling.
• The Best Taco Rice if you’re craving a rice-based variation.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip up tostadas any time the craving hits.

And don’t forget to drop a comment below—did you go classic or get creative with toppings? Add pickled onions or hot sauce? Maybe a fried egg on top?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Got questions? Ask away, and let’s keep the kitchen conversation going.

Find more meal inspiration on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

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