Easy Mexican Tostadas
Tostadas are crispy flat tortillas topped with flavorful beans, meat or veggies, and fresh garnishes. Think of them as “open-face tacos” with layers of textures — creamy, crunchy, zesty, and fresh. This easy version uses simple ingredients you can customize.
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Base:
8 corn tortillas (or store-bought tostada shells)
3 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Toppings:
1 can (15 oz) refried beans (black or pinto)
1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh Toppings (choose your favorites):
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 avocado, sliced or mashed
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
Salsa or hot sauce
Fresh cilantro & lime wedges
Instructions
1. Make the Tostada Shells:
Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush tortillas lightly with oil, place on a baking sheet, and bake 6–8 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Fried: Heat ½ inch oil in a skillet. Fry tortillas one at a time for ~1 minute per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
2. Cook the Meat (skip for vegetarian):
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground beef/chicken/turkey, breaking it apart.
Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook 7–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
3. Heat the Beans:
Warm refried beans in a small pan until smooth and spreadable.
4. Assemble the Tostadas:
Spread a layer of refried beans on each crisp tortilla.
Add seasoned meat (if using).
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Finish with cilantro and lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Mexican rice or elote (Mexican street corn).
Make a vegetarian version with beans, corn, and sautéed peppers.
Let everyone assemble their own tostadas at the table for fun.
Tips & Notes
To prevent sogginess, layer beans first before meat and veggies.
Use crispy baked tortillas for a lighter version.
For a Mediterranean twist, swap beans with hummus and add olives, feta, and cucumbers.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 3g