Beef Tostadas with Beans (Print)

Crispy tostadas topped with savory beef, creamy beans, fresh veggies, and cheese for a tasty dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp chili powder
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa

→ Beans

11 - 1 (15 oz) can refried beans (pinto or black), warmed
12 - 2 tbsp water (optional, to loosen)

→ Tostadas

13 - 8 corn tostada shells

→ Toppings

14 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
17 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
18 - 1/4 cup sliced radishes (optional)
19 - 1/4 cup sour cream
20 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
21 - Lime wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato sauce or salsa to the beef mixture. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
05 - In a separate saucepan, heat refried beans over low heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water if necessary to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
06 - Place tostada shells on plates. Spread a layer of warm refried beans on each, followed by the seasoned beef mixture.
07 - Top each tostada with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, radishes (if using), sour cream, and avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in under an hour, so even your busiest nights feel manageable.
  • The contrast between the crispy shell and creamy beans is pure comfort in every bite.
  • You can pile on your favorite toppings and make each one exactly how you like it.
  • It tastes like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
02 -
  • Warming the beans before spreading makes all the difference in texture and keeps the shells from getting soggy.
  • Dont skip draining the beef if there is excess fat, it keeps the tostadas from turning greasy.
  • Assemble right before serving so the shells stay crispy and satisfying.
03 -
  • Let the spices cook in the pan for a full minute before adding liquid, it releases their oils and deepens the flavor.
  • If the refried beans are too thick, a splash of water or broth brings them back to life without diluting the taste.
  • Layer the beans first to create a barrier that keeps the shell from getting soggy under the beef.

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