Authentic Mexican Tostadas: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 tostada shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
  • 1 large avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it up and stir it around with a spatula while it's cooking.
  2. When the beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat, then mix in the taco seasoning according to package instructions.
  3. In a separate pot, heat the refried beans over medium heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place tostada shells on a baking sheet and heat for 3-5 minutes or until crisp.
  5. Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
  6. Top the beans with a layer of the cooked, seasoned ground beef.
  7. Sprinkle shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes over the beef.
  8. Add a layer of shredded cheese, then spoon some salsa over the cheese.
  9. Add a few slices of avocado to each tostada, then dollop some sour cream on top.
  10. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and squeeze a wedge of lime over each tostada before serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef.
  • Spatula - Use a spatula to break up and stir the ground beef while cooking.
  • Pot - You'll need a pot to heat the refried beans.
  • Baking sheet - Use a baking sheet to heat the tostada shells in the oven.
  • Knife - A knife is required to dice the tomato and slice the avocado.
  • Cutting board - Use a cutting board to safely chop the tomato and avocado.
  • Cheese grater - If your cheese is not pre-shredded, you'll need a cheese grater to shred it.
  • Spoon - A spoon will be used to spread refried beans and salsa onto the tostada shells.

Recipe variations

  • Use corn tortillas instead of tostada shells for a different texture.
  • Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Try vegetarian or vegan alternatives like using plant-based crumbles or seasoned tofu instead of meat.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as guacamole, pico de gallo, or sliced jalapenos.
  • Add a layer of black beans or pinto beans alongside the refried beans for extra protein and flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas or corn tostada shells.
  • Include grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions as a topping.
  • Create a seafood tostada by using grilled shrimp or fish as the protein.
  • Add a spicy kick by incorporating hot sauce or chipotle peppers into the meat or toppings.
  • For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine with this delicious Tostada recipe. Tostadas are a popular dish in Mexico and can be found at street food stands and in restaurants. This recipe features crispy tostada shells layered with hearty refried beans and seasoned ground beef, then topped with fresh vegetables and a sprinkle of cheese. A dollop of sour cream, some slices of ripe avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice add the final touches to this colorful and enticing dish. This Tostada recipe is easy to follow and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy making this vibrant dish and have fun customizing it to your liking.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
    Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other proteins such as ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like crumbled tofu or black beans.
  2. Can I make my own tostada shells?
    Absolutely! If you can't find tostada shells at the store, you can make your own by frying or baking corn tortillas until they become crispy.
  3. Can I use store-bought guacamole instead of sliced avocado?
    Yes, if you prefer guacamole, you can certainly use it instead of sliced avocado. Just spread a layer of guacamole on top of the beans before adding the other toppings.
  4. Can I add additional toppings?
    Certainly! Tostadas are versatile, and you can customize them with your favorite toppings such as chopped onions, sliced jalapenos, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetarian refried beans or substitute with a protein of your choice, such as grilled veggies or plant-based crumbles.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - Used to heat the tostada shells in the oven.
  • Large Skillet - Used to cook the ground beef.
  • Spatula - Used to break up and stir the ground beef while cooking.
  • Pot - Used to heat the refried beans.
  • Spoon - Used to spread the refried beans on the tostada shells.
  • Grater - Used to shred the cheese.
  • Knife - Used to dice the tomato, slice the avocado, and cut the lime into wedges.
  • Cutting Board - Used to chop the fresh cilantro and prepare the tomato and avocado.

Origin stories

Tostadas, a staple in Mexican cuisine, have an interesting origin. As the story goes, they were born out of the necessity to avoid wasting stale tortillas. Instead of throwing away day-old tortillas, they were fried until crisp and given a new lease on life. These crispy tortillas, or tostadas, then became the perfect canvas to showcase a wide range of toppings, from beans and meat to cheese and fresh salsa. The word "tostada" actually means "toasted" in Spanish, a fitting name for this delicious dish that turns an otherwise discarded food item into the star of the show. So whenever you take a bite of a tostada, remember that you're partaking in a culinary tradition rooted in resourcefulness and creativity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.