Ground Beef Tostadas are a quick and easy weeknight meal that brings bold, satisfying flavors to the table. These crunchy tortillas are topped with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a blend of tangy, creamy, and savory ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a simple family dinner, ground beef tostadas a recipe that has been passed through generations in my family offer endless customization options and are perfect for piling on your favorite toppings. The crispy base contrasts beautifully with the savory beef and crunchy toppings, making each bite irresistible.
This recipe begins with browning the ground beef with taco seasoning in an already heated pan, creating a flavorful, savory base for your tostadas. Once the beef is ready, it’s piled high on crispy tostada shells and then layered with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream or salsa. The result is a vibrant, delicious meal that satisfies your cravings for both comfort and freshness.
Why do I love this recipe?
I love how customizable and quick it is. The crunchy tostada shell combined with the savory beef and fresh toppings make for a fun and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
Want to save this recipe?
Variations on the recipe?
You can switch up the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add black beans, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor, and swap the sour cream for guacamole for a richer taste.
Serving suggestions?
Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Pair with a cold margarita or a refreshing agua fresca for a perfect taco night.
Storage and freezing?
Store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tostada shells can be stored separately. Freezing the beef mixture is also an option for up to 3 months. Reheat before assembling.
Ground Beef Tostadas
Ingredients
SPICY GROUND BEEF
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- olive oil
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup water
- red pepper flakes optional
TOTSTADA
- olive oil
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- salt
CREMA
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
TOPPINGS
- 16 ounces refried beans
- 1 cup lettuce shredded
- 1 tomato diced
- 1/4 red onion diced
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup queso fresco cheese shredded
Instructions
For the crema:
- For the crema, ideally prepare it a few hours in advance or a day before. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tostadas:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the corn tortillas on a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Rub the olive oil over each tortilla on both sides.
- Bake for 4 minutes, flipping the tortillas every 4 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown. This should take around 12 minutes with two flips.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
Spicy Ground Beef:
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Add the diced white onion and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is browned.
- If needed, drain excess fat from the beef. If using lean beef, you may not need to drain. Return the beef to the skillet and add 1/2 cup of water and the seasonings. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a simmer, lower the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Ground Beef Tostadas:
- While the beef is simmering, warm the refried beans.
- To assemble, start with a layer of refried beans on each crispy corn tortilla. Top with the spicy ground beef mixture, then add shredded lettuce, diced red onion, diced tomato, and sliced avocado.
- Sprinkle with queso fresco and drizzle with the crema to finish.
- Serve and enjoy!
