Description
Easy Ground Beef Tostadas are a flavorful and fun meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy tostada shells topped with savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, fresh toppings, and zesty lime, these tostadas are simple to prepare and loaded with bold, authentic flavors.
Ingredients
For the Tostadas:
- 6–8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup refried beans, warmed
- ¼ head cabbage or lettuce, shredded
- 1–2 cups shredded cheese (queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)
- Crema or sour cream (to taste)
- 2–3 limes, cut into wedges
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 chipotles in adobo, chopped (adjust for spice)
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 tablespoon chile powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 2–3 teaspoons Mexican oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Splash of water
For the Tomato Chipotle Salsa:
- 2–3 plum tomatoes, rinsed and de-stemmed
- ½ small onion (roasted or raw)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1–2 chipotles in adobo (adjust for heat)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Tomato Chipotle Salsa:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Blend the roasted tomatoes with onion, garlic, chipotles in adobo, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the spice level as desired. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add chipotles, adobo sauce, chile powder (if using), cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water to help blend the flavors.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the seasonings. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Assemble the Tostadas:
- Spread a layer of warmed refried beans onto each tostada shell.
- Top with a generous scoop of seasoned ground beef.
- Add shredded cabbage or lettuce, followed by shredded cheese.
- Drizzle with crema or sour cream, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the tostadas with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- Make homemade tostadas by frying corn tortillas until crispy.
- Adjust the heat level of the beef and salsa to your preference.
- Prepare the ground beef and salsa in advance for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
- Layer the beans first to help the toppings stick and avoid sliding off.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Mexican