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For tasty ground beef tostadas, you need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 tostada shells - 1 cup refried beans (canned or homemade) These ingredients create a savory base. The ground beef gives the tostadas their heartiness. Each spice adds depth to the flavor. You can elevate your tostadas with these toppings: - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving These toppings add freshness and color. They also bring different textures. Avocado lends creaminess, while cilantro adds a burst of flavor. Serve your tostadas with these sides for a complete meal: - Mexican rice - Black beans - Corn salad - Chips and salsa These sides complement the tostadas well. They provide more flavors and make your meal more filling. Enjoy your tasty feast! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one small, finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it turns soft and clear, about three minutes. Next, add two minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell great. Now, add one pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook the beef until it is brown, which should take about five to seven minutes. Season it with one teaspoon each of ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and let it cook for another two to three minutes. This will help the flavors blend together. While the beef cooks, it’s time to prepare the tostada shells. Follow the package instructions. You usually need to bake or fry them until they are crispy. Crispy shells hold the toppings well and add a nice crunch. If you want to make homemade tostadas, simply fry corn tortillas in hot oil until they turn golden and crunchy. Let them cool on paper towels to remove excess oil. Now comes the fun part: assembling the tostadas. First, take each crispy tostada shell and spread a layer of refried beans on top. You can use one cup of refried beans, whether canned or homemade. Next, add a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture on top of the beans. Now, it’s time to pile on the fresh toppings. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. Finish with half a cup of crumbled queso fresco. This adds creaminess and a nice salty flavor. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve your tostadas with lime wedges for squeezing over them. This adds a fresh, tangy touch that brightens up every bite. Enjoy your flavorful and easy ground beef tostadas! Choose 80/20 ground beef for a juicy and tasty result. This means 80% meat and 20% fat. The fat gives flavor and keeps the beef moist. Look for bright red color and a fresh smell. Avoid any beef that looks brown or smells off. You can also pick leaner beef, but it may be less juicy. To get crispy tostadas, bake or fry them until golden. If you bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the tostada shells flat on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-7 minutes. If frying, heat oil in a pan. Fry each shell for about 30 seconds on each side. Let them cool on paper towels to stay crisp. Add extra flavor to the beef by trying different spices. You can mix in some oregano or cayenne pepper for a kick. If you like it mild, stick to cumin and paprika. Taste as you cook to find your perfect mix. Fresh lime juice on top can brighten all the flavors. Experiment with toppings like jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce enhances the flavor of your tostadas. Always opt for ripe avocados and fresh herbs for the best taste. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your preferred heat level. You can also add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick! Perfectly Crisp Tostadas: For the crispiest tostadas, bake them in the oven until golden brown. This method avoids excess oil and maintains crunch. Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the seasoned ground beef and refried beans ahead of time. This allows for quick assembly during busy weeknights. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for plant-based options. Use lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. These options give great texture and flavor. For lentils, cook them with spices like cumin and chili powder. This adds depth and keeps the taste rich. Black beans can be mashed or left whole for a different bite. Tofu needs seasoning, so be sure to marinate it before cooking for more flavor. Toppings can change your tostadas completely. You can add sliced jalapeños for a kick. If you want crunch, try radishes or pickled onions. For a refreshing twist, use cucumber or corn. You can also add sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Don't forget about cheese; shredded cheddar or pepper jack works well too. You can mix and match toppings based on what you like. This way, every tostada can be unique. If you enjoy heat, there are many ways to spice up your tostadas. Start with adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the beef mix. For more flavor, try using a spicy salsa on top. You can also drizzle hot sauce over your toppings. Experiment with spicy seasonings like cayenne or chipotle powder in the beef. If you want a real kick, consider adding a layer of spicy guacamole. This will make your tostadas sing with heat! You can store leftover ground beef tostadas in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, remove the toppings. This keeps them crisp. Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Heat it for about five minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat for one to two minutes. Freezing tostadas is a great way to save them. Place the cooked beef in a container. You can also freeze the tostada shells. Wrap each shell in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. To prepare, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat the beef and assemble fresh tostadas. Tostadas last different times based on storage. In the fridge, they last for three days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage. This includes off smells or changes in texture. Proper storage keeps your tostadas tasty and safe to eat! For tostadas, I recommend using ground beef with a fat content of 80/20. This mix gives great flavor and moisture. Too lean beef can make the dish dry. You want it juicy and tasty. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Yes, you can change the toppings to fit your taste. Some great options include: - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Black olives for a briny touch - Sour cream for creaminess - Corn for sweetness - Salsa for extra flavor Mix and match to create your perfect tostada! Making tostadas from scratch is simple. Here’s how: 1. Choose your corn tortillas: Use small or medium-sized ones. 2. Heat oil in a pan: Use enough oil to cover the bottom. 3. Fry the tortillas: Cook each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Look for a golden color. 4. Drain on paper towels: Let them cool to become crispy. Now, you're ready to build your delicious tostadas! This blog post covered tasty ground beef tostadas. We looked at main ingredients, toppings, and sides. I shared steps for cooking, assembling, and tips for crispiness. You can try vegetarian options or add heat for extra flavor. Also, I included storage info to keep your tostadas fresh. In summary, tostadas are fun, easy, and customizable. Enjoy making them your way!

Crispy Ground Beef Tostadas

Delicious tostadas topped with seasoned ground beef and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 tostada shells
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 2 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • While the beef is cooking, prepare the tostada shells according to package instructions (usually baked or fried until crispy).
  • Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell. Top with a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture.
  • Layer on the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco on top of the beef.
  • Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the assembled tostadas and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword easy recipe, ground beef, Mexican food, tostadas