Description
Sizzling Mexican tostadas bring explosive flavor to your dinner table, blending crispy tortillas with zesty toppings. Rich layers of seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy garnishes create an irresistible culinary experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups (470 milliliters) refried beans (warmed; canned or homemade)
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cumin
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) onion powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water (if using ground meat)
Toppings:
- 1 cup (240 grams) shredded lettuce
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, Cotija, or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup (120 grams) diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup (40 grams) diced red onion
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Pickled jalapenos or fresh sliced chilies
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by sautéing ground beef or shredded chicken in a skillet with aromatic spices and a splash of water, stirring frequently until the meat is thoroughly cooked and develops rich, savory flavors.
- Create crispy tostada foundations by either warming store-bought shells in a preheated oven or individually frying corn tortillas in hot oil until they transform into golden, crunchy platforms.
- Layer each tostada shell with a smooth spread of warm refried beans, creating a creamy base for the subsequent toppings.
- Distribute the seasoned meat evenly across the bean-covered shells, ensuring a balanced distribution of protein.
- Build vibrant layers of fresh ingredients including crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, finely chopped onions, and creamy avocado slices.
- Enhance the tostadas with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a zesty lime juice squeeze to brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Accompany the tostadas with additional salsa or hot sauce, allowing diners to customize their culinary experience according to their spice preferences.
- Serve immediately to maintain the perfect contrast between crispy shells and fresh, cool toppings.
Notes
- Customize meat selection by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative.
- Toast tostada shells just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy shells.
- Layer ingredients strategically from bottom to top: beans first, then protein, creating a sturdy foundation that prevents shell breakage.
- Prep toppings in advance and store separately to allow quick assembly and maintain fresh, crisp textures when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg