Crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, these Refried Beans and Ground Beef Tostadas are a Mexican classic that brings together simple ingredients with bold flavors. Crunchy tostada shells are layered with creamy refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and fresh toppings—making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party platter.
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
🛠️ Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet (if toasting tortillas)
- Paper towels (for draining fried shells)
🥩 Ingredients
For the Tostadas
- 6–8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade from corn tortillas)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 medium avocado, sliced or mashed
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
🍅 Ingredient Notes
- Tostada shells: If making at home, lightly fry corn tortillas or bake until crispy.
- Refried beans: Canned beans are quick, but homemade add more flavor.
- Beef seasoning: Customize with chili powder, cumin, paprika, or cayenne.
- Toppings: Mix and match—radishes, pickled onions, or jalapeños are delicious extras.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 2: Prepare the Beans
- In a small pot or skillet, warm the refried beans.
- If too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth until creamy.
Step 3: Build the Tostadas
- Spread a layer of refried beans over each tostada shell.
- Add a generous spoonful of seasoned ground beef.
- Top with lettuce, cheese, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
💡 Tips & Variations
- Healthier option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Spicy twist: Add jalapeños, hot salsa, or chili flakes.
- Homemade shells: Bake tortillas brushed with oil at 400°F for 5–7 minutes per side until crispy.
- Meal prep: Cook beef and beans ahead of time; assemble tostadas just before eating.
- Family style: Set up a tostada bar so everyone can add their own toppings.
