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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce - 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend) - ½ cup sour cream - 8 tostada shells - 1 cup creamy refried beans - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges for serving To make these tostadas, gather all the main ingredients. Start with the ground beef, which gives a hearty flavor. Chop the onion and garlic finely. These two add a great base to the dish. Make sure you have your spices ready. Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add depth and warmth. Next, get the toppings. Shredded romaine lettuce provides a nice crunch. Diced tomatoes brighten up the dish. Use shredded cheese for creaminess, and don’t forget the cool sour cream. Cilantro adds a fresh touch, while lime wedges give a zesty kick when squeezed on top. Now, you are ready to create a delicious meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of cooking oil. 2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they are translucent, about 2-3 minutes. 3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet. 4. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. 5. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the spices blend well with the meat. 1. Take your tostada shells and spread a layer of creamy refried beans on each one. 2. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over the beans evenly. 3. Add fresh shredded romaine lettuce and diced tomatoes on top of the beef. 4. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the veggies. 5. Top it all with a dollop of cool sour cream. 6. Finish each tostada with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color. 7. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for added zest. These tostadas are not just tasty; they also look great! Arrange them on a platter for a fun meal. To achieve perfectly browned ground beef, start with a hot skillet. Heat a little oil in your pan, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they soften and smell great, about 2-3 minutes. Next, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef turns a deep brown and is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to cook evenly. For the best flavor, season the beef well. After browning, add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle salt and pepper as needed. Cook for another 5 minutes to let the spices blend in. This step packs your beef with taste. Garnishing your tostadas makes them look great and inviting. Start by arranging them on a large platter. Use fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color on top. Serve lime wedges in a small bowl at the center of the platter. This adds a bright touch and lets everyone squeeze lime on their tostadas. It's a small detail that gives big flavor. Pro Tips Perfectly Seasoned Beef: Always taste your ground beef mixture before serving. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference. Crunchy Shells: For an extra crunch, bake the tostada shells in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes before assembling the toppings. Fresh Toppings: Use fresh ingredients for toppings like lettuce and tomatoes to enhance the flavor and texture of the tostadas. Customize with Extras: Feel free to add additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, or different types of cheese for a personalized touch. {{image_4}} You can easily change up the protein in your tostadas. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a plant-based meal, go for lentils or crumbled tofu. These swaps will keep your tostadas tasty and fun. For cheese, you don’t have to stick to just one type. Use pepper jack for a spicy kick or a creamy queso fresco for a milder taste. Each cheese gives a unique flavor and texture to your dish. To boost the flavors in your tostadas, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a scoop of guacamole. Both options bring extra heat and creaminess. If you love fresh ingredients, top your tostadas with diced avocado or corn salsa. These toppings add a fresh touch and make your meal even more colorful. Explore different combinations to find what you love most! Each variation can make your tostadas a new experience every time you cook them. Store assembled tostadas carefully. Place any leftover tostadas in an airtight container. Keep the toppings separate to maintain their freshness. For best taste, use them within two days. - Tostada shells: Keep in a cool, dry place. They stay crisp for longer. - Ground beef: Store in a sealed container in the fridge. This keeps it flavorful. - Fresh toppings: Use separate containers for lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. This helps avoid sogginess. Reheat tostadas carefully to keep them crunchy. The best way is to use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). - Oven method: Place tostadas on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm. - Microwave method: Heat for a few seconds, but this may make them soggy. To maintain crunchiness, avoid covering them while reheating. You want that perfect crisp! How do I make tostadas crispy? To make tostadas crispy, bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, until they are golden and crunchy. You can also fry them in hot oil for a few seconds per side. This gives them a great texture. Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef? Yes, you can use other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also try plant-based options like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian dish. Each option will give a unique flavor and texture to your tostadas. What sides pair well with ground beef tostadas? Several sides can complement ground beef tostadas. Here are some ideas: - Mexican rice adds a nice base. - Refried beans create a hearty side. - Guacamole provides creaminess and flavor. - A fresh salad can add crunch and brightness. - Chips and salsa make a great snack alongside. You now have a complete guide to making delicious ground beef tostadas. We covered the key ingredients, easy cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can customize the dish with different proteins or toppings to suit your tastes. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best texture. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing this simple meal with others. Tostadas are not just food; they’re an experience to savor. Make this dish your own and create a fun meal every time.

Crunchy Ground Beef Tostadas

Delicious tostadas topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, fresh vegetables, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 8 tostada shells
  • 1 cup creamy refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to taste Lime wedges (for squeezing)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, add a drizzle of cooking oil and place over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the beef is browned, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spices to fully infuse the meat for a deeper flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • To assemble the tostadas, spread a generous layer of the creamy refried beans evenly across the surface of each tostada shell, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
  • Spoon the flavorful ground beef mixture atop the layer of beans, distributing it evenly for balanced toppings.
  • Pile fresh shredded romaine lettuce and diced tomatoes on top of the beef, adding a refreshing crunch.
  • Crown each tostada with a generous handful of shredded cheese, followed by a dollop of cool sour cream for richness.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro to bring brightness and a burst of color to the dish.
  • Serve the tostadas immediately, accompanied by lime wedges for a zesty kick that can be squeezed over each tostada just before eating.

Notes

Arrange the tostadas on a large platter, and garnish with extra cilantro leaves. Provide a small bowl of lime wedges at the center for a vibrant touch.
Keyword easy recipe, ground beef, Mexican food, tostadas