Description
Crispy, golden Mexican tostadas deliver a fiesta of flavors that dance across your palate with authentic zest. Layers of seasoned meat, fresh salsa, and creamy toppings create a crunchy canvas you’ll savor in every vibrant bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken
- 2 cups refried beans (warmed; canned or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Cotija, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsps water (if using ground meat)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pickled jalapenos or fresh sliced chilies
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Protein Preparation: Sizzle ground beef or shredded chicken in a skillet with aromatic spices and a splash of water, stirring intermittently until the meat transforms into a rich, flavorful mixture. Allow to rest momentarily.
- Tostada Shell Transformation: Crisp store-bought shells in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes, or craft homemade versions by delicately frying corn tortillas until they achieve a golden, crunchy texture. Blot excess oil on absorbent towels.
- Layered Composition: Spread a velvety layer of warm refried beans across each crisp shell, then cascade with seasoned protein. Crown the base with a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients – shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, diced tomatoes, minced onions, and creamy avocado slices.
- Final Flourish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the assembled tostadas and enhance with a zesty lime squeeze. Present alongside tangy salsa or fiery hot sauce for personalized heat and flavor intensity.
Notes
- Keep meat juicy by not overcooking, using moderate heat and occasional stirring to prevent drying out.
- Toast store-bought shells or carefully fry homemade tortillas for maximum crunchiness without burning.
- Spread beans first as a protective base, preventing soggy shells and creating a solid foundation for toppings.
- Serve tostadas immediately after assembly to maintain shell crispness and ensure warm, fresh flavors blend perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg