Refried Beans & Ground Beef Tostadas

Refried Beans & Ground Beef Tostadas

Crispy, golden tostada shells piled high with savory seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and all your favorite fresh toppings. A quick, customizable, and family-friendly meal!

📝 Ingredients

For the Beef & Bean Layer:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tsp taco seasoning (or 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp paprika)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 can (16 oz / 450g) refried beans (or homemade)

For Assembling:

• 8-10 crispy tostada shells (store-bought or homemade*)

• 1 ½ cups shredded lettuce

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)

• ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema

• Salsa or hot sauce

• Sliced avocado or guacamole

• Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Quick Homemade Tostada Shells: Lightly brush corn tortillas with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 mins until crisp, or pan-fry in shallow oil until golden.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the onion until softened (~3-4 mins).

2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning and garlic powder. Cook for 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Warm the Refried Beans

1. In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and spreadable. If they’re too thick, add a splash of water or milk to loosen.

3. Assemble the Tostadas

1. Spread a layer of warm refried beans onto each tostada shell.

2. Top with a layer of the seasoned ground beef.

3. Add your toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, avocado, and salsa.

4. Serve Immediately

• Enjoy right away while the shells are still crisp!

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: You can cook the beef and warm the beans ahead of time. Reheat before assembling.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for seasoned lentils or plant-based crumbles.

• Extra Flavor: Stir a spoonful of salsa into the refried beans as you warm them.

• Texture Tip: To keep the tostada from getting soggy, ensure the bean and beef layers aren’t too watery.

Perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun build-your-own tostada bar! Let everyone customize their own. 😊