Ground Beef Tostadas are a delicious and easy Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. With crispy tostada shells topped with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and your favorite toppings, they’re a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s a simple recipe for making Ground Beef Tostadas:
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa (optional, for moisture)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (optional, for added flavor and moisture)
For the Tostadas:
- 6-8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings (optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped onions
- Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- Sour cream
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Salsa
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat (if using). Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the beef with the spices.
- For a little extra moisture, add tomato sauce or salsa and beef broth (if desired), then let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Prepare the Tostada Shells:
- If you’re using store-bought tostada shells, you can simply crisp them up by baking them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
- If you want to make homemade tostada shells, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry corn tortillas for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy. Drain them on paper towels.
3. Assemble the Tostadas:
- Place each tostada shell on a plate.
- Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef onto each shell, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cheese. Add guacamole or sliced avocado, sour cream, and salsa if desired.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the tostadas with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
- Serve immediately while the shells are still crispy.
Enjoy Your Ground Beef Tostadas!
These tostadas are a fun, customizable dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with your family. Feel free to adjust the toppings to suit your preferences, whether you prefer spicy, creamy, or extra cheesy.
Would you like to add any other variations, like beans or a different protein? Let me know if you need more ideas!