Easy Homemade Tostadas – Crunchy, Flavorful, and Ready in Minutes
Tostadas are a classic Mexican favorite: crisp, crunchy shells topped with layers of beans, seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and cheese. This Easy Homemade Tostadas recipe brings all the flavor of your favorite street food to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for a fun lunch, these tostadas are entirely customizable. You can swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or beans for a vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- 6 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Prepare tostada shells: If store-bought, warm shells in the oven for 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to crisp. For homemade, fry or bake tortillas until golden and crunchy.
- Assemble the tostadas: Spread refried beans evenly over each shell. Top with cooked beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and shredded cheese.
- Optional finishing touches: Add sour cream, salsa, lime wedges, or jalapeños for extra flavor. Serve immediately while shells are crisp.
Why These Tostadas Work
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Choose your protein and toppings.
- Crisp & fresh: Combination of crunchy shells, creamy beans, and fresh veggies.
- Family-friendly: A fun DIY dinner everyone can assemble themselves.
Storage
- Best enjoyed immediately to maintain crispness.
- Leftovers: Store toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Easy Homemade Tostadas
Crispy, flavorful tostadas made at home with layers of refried beans, seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook ground beef in olive oil over medium heat. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Warm tostada shells in oven for 3–5 minutes or fry homemade tortillas until golden and crisp.
- Spread refried beans over each shell, then top with cooked beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and shredded cheese.
- Add optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, lime wedges, or jalapeños. Serve immediately.
Notes
Assemble just before serving to maintain crispy shells.
