Beef Tostadas are so easy to make! Basically, the majority of the work is chopping up your toppings, cooking the ground beef and then everyone can assemble their tostadas. For this reason, Tostadas are one of my favorite summer time meals. We don’t have Air conditioning which isn’t super uncommon in Colorado. Most of the time, it’s actually totally fine but there are a few weeks in the summer that get so hot. Thus, I avoid turning on my oven or standing next to a hot stove for extended periods of time. An overheated mama is a grouchy mama!
Super Easy Tostadas
Ingredients
- 1lb Ground beef taco meat mixture scroll down to see recipe in post
- 1 Can refried beans
- 8-12 Tostada Shells or fry corn tortillas to make tostada shells
Toppings
- Shredded Cabbage or lettuce
- 2 tomatoes diced
- Avocados, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Pico de gallo salsa (optional) or other salsa see recipe link notes
- Creamy Tomatillo Dressing (optional) see recipe link notes
- shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- If you're using store bought tostada shells proceed to step 2. If you are frying corn tortillas to make your own tostada shells, do this step first. In a small deep fryer fry the corn tortillas until they are golden brown and crispy. Then let them rest on a plate covered with paper towels. I usually like to salt them. The paper towels will soak up the extra grease. If your shells aren't crispy enough you can broil them a bit but watch them so they don't burn
- Prepare the Ground Beef taco meat mixture. While the meat is cooking, begin to chop all the toppings. Then heat up the refried beans in a can. I like to use refried beans with extra spice in it but the original is fine too.
- After everything is prepped assemble the tostadas. First spread the refried beans, add the meat, place the remainder of your toppings and Enjoy!
Beef Tostadas are a Cheap Meal!
Let’s cut to the chase, Beef Tostadas are a favorite “Mom” meal because they are easy, delicious and budget friendly. Especially, if you make your own tostada shells. I’ll be honest with you, making the shells yourself does take away from the awesome convenience factor. However, if you prepare the shells earlier in the day and then reheat them, it requires less time during dinner prep. You have to balance convenience verses cost. I choose to make them because I like the taste and I really like to save money, even if it’s just a couple bucks!
Back to the thriftiness discussion. Tostadas do not require much meat. Typically, meat is one of the main budget busters. Fortunately, this recipe has the refried beans as well and so that adds to the heartiness of the meal without having to use more meat. Usually, I cut the amount of meat a recipe calls for to cut costs and for overall health. I choose to use less meat if and when I can.
Great Ways to add more flavor to your Beef Tostadas!
Ground Beef Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cayenne pepper optional
- 1½ cups black beans
Instructions
- Brown the Ground beef in a nonstick skillet and then add the spices. Turn heat on low and cover until ready to serve. If meat becomes to dry add a few TBSP of water and cover.
- Mix black beans with meat.
