Make authentic Mexican tostadas with crispy tortillas, refried beans, seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, queso fresco, avocado, crema, and salsa. This easy recipe is perfect for dinner, family meals, or parties, and can be customized with chicken, pork, or vegetarian toppings.

Ingredients

10 tostada shells (or corn tortillas, baked or fried until crispy)
1 can refried beans
1 lb ground beef (or substitute cooked shredded chicken, pork, or beef)
1/4 onion, diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon each: paprika and salt
1/4 teaspoon each: garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper
1/2 head lettuce, finely chopped
Queso fresco (or another cheese of choice)
1 large avocado, sliced or mashed
Mexican crema (or sour cream)
Salsa, pico de gallo, or salsa verde

Instructions

Prepare the tostada shells: If using corn tortillas, bake or fry them until golden and crisp. If using store-bought tostada shells, set aside.
Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess grease. Stir in the onion and seasonings, and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Warm the beans: Heat refried beans in a skillet or microwave. Stir in a small scoop of sour cream or crema for extra creaminess.
Assemble the tostadas: Spread a layer of refried beans onto each tostada shell. Add a spoonful of ground beef, followed by lettuce, cheese, avocado, salsa, crema, and optional hot sauce.
Serve immediately: Tostadas are best eaten fresh while the shells are still crisp.

Tips

Prepare all toppings before assembling — tostadas get soggy quickly.
For extra-crispy shells, lightly brush tortillas with oil before baking.
Use a slotted spoon for the meat mixture to avoid excess liquid soaking the shell.
Mash the avocado with lime juice to prevent browning.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, carnitas, or even seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.
Cheese: Use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija instead of queso fresco.
Beans: Swap refried beans with whole black beans or pinto beans.
Toppings: Add pickled jalapeños, radishes, or corn for extra crunch and flavor.
Shells: Try baked flour tortillas for a lighter variation.

FAQs

Can I make tostadas ahead of time?
You can prepare all toppings in advance, but assemble tostadas right before serving to keep the shells crisp.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep components separate in airtight containers. Reheat the beans and meat before assembling fresh tostadas.

Are tostadas gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled corn on the cob for a full meal.
Pair with margaritas, agua fresca, or horchata for a refreshing drink option.
Offer a topping bar so everyone can build their own tostadas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tostadas are crispy, customizable, and packed with flavor. This recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights, and versatile enough to please the whole family.