Easy Ground Beef Tostadas

Ingredients

Beef filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For assembly

• 8 tostada shells
• 2 cups refried beans, store-bought or homemade
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped onion

These components match how many beef tostada recipes build flavor: seasoned ground beef, refried beans, shells, cheese, lettuce, and fresh toppings.​

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Warm the refried beans

1. In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Add a small splash of water or broth if needed to make them spreadable and creamy.​
3. Adjust seasoning with salt or a pinch of cumin or chili powder if desired, then keep warm over low heat.

Thinning canned refried beans with a bit of liquid is a common tip to achieve a smoother, spreadable consistency for tostadas.​

Step 2: Cook the beef filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Cook for about 4 minutes, letting the spices toast slightly and coat the meat.
6. Add the drained petite diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
7. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.​

Using tomato products and taco-style spices to moisten and flavor ground beef is standard in many beef tostada recipes.​

Step 3: Prep tostada shells and toppings

1. If using pre-made tostada shells, you can warm them briefly in a low oven (around 350°F/175°C for a few minutes) to refresh their crispness.​
2. Shred the lettuce and cheddar cheese.
3. Chop fresh tomatoes and onion, and prepare any additional toppings you like (salsa, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, etc.).​

Having everything ready makes assembly fast once the beef and beans are hot.

Step 4: Assemble the tostadas

1. Spread a layer of warm refried beans over each tostada shell.
2. Spoon a generous scoop of the seasoned ground beef mixture on top of the beans.​
3. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese so it starts to melt against the warm beef and beans.
4. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and chopped onion.
5. Add any extra toppings you enjoy, such as salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.​

Most recipes agree that tostadas should be assembled just before serving to keep the shells crisp.​

Step 5: Serve immediately

• Arrange assembled tostadas on a platter and serve right away while the shells are crisp and the toppings are fresh and vibrant.​