Beef Tostadas (Printable Version)
Crispy corn tortillas topped with flavorful seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy elements create a delightful Mexican-inspired meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef
01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/3 cup tomato sauce
12 - 2 tablespoons water
→ Tostada Shells
13 - 8 corn tortillas
14 - Vegetable oil, for brushing
→ Toppings
15 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
16 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
17 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
18 - 1/2 cup sour cream
19 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
20 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
21 - 1 avocado, sliced
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush both sides of the corn tortillas with vegetable oil. Arrange them on baking sheets and bake for 5–7 minutes per side, or until they become crispy and golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds.
03 - Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. If necessary, drain off any excess fat.
04 - Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all spices are well incorporated with the beef.
05 - Add the tomato sauce and water to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove the skillet from the heat.
06 - To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture onto each crispy tostada shell.
07 - Top the beef-laden tostadas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced black olives, according to preference.
08 - Serve the beef tostadas immediately while the shells are crisp to enjoy their optimal texture.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This recipe is your secret weapon for those nights when you crave something hearty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- You’ll absolutely adore how easily customizable it is, perfect for pleasing everyone at the table.
02 -
- I learned early on that baking the tortillas instead of frying them makes a huge difference, saving on calories and mess without sacrificing crunch.
- Using good quality, fresh spices really elevates the beef mixture beyond just average, a discovery that changed my whole approach.
03 -
- To avoid soggy tostadas, make sure your beef mixture isn't too wet; let it simmer down sufficiently.
- Assemble your tostadas just before serving to maintain maximum crispness, as the toppings can quickly soften the shells.