Recreate the iconic Taco Bell Tostada right in your kitchen! This Mexican-inspired dish features a crispy tostada shell layered with refried beans, seasoned beef, and fresh toppings for a delicious, quick meal.
Ingredients
For the Tostada Base:
- 6-8 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying (or use baked tostada shells)
For the Refried Beans:
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1/4 cup water (or more for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (optional)
For the Seasoned Beef:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Taco Bell mild or hot sauce (or your favorite salsa)
Instructions
Preparing the Tostada Shells:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry each corn tortilla for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Alternatively, bake tortillas at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
Cooking the Refried Beans:
- In a small saucepan, combine refried beans and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and warmed through. Add taco seasoning for extra flavor if desired.
Cooking the Seasoned Beef:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is well-coated with seasoning.
Assembling the Tostada:
- Spread a generous layer of refried beans over each tostada shell.
- Add a layer of seasoned beef on top of the beans.
- Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions (if using) over the beef.
- Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of Taco Bell sauce or salsa.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
Tips for the Best Tostada
- Shell Alternatives: Use store-bought tostada shells for convenience.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace seasoned beef with grilled vegetables, black beans, or tofu.
- Customization: Add guacamole, jalapeños, or pickled onions for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare all components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain the tostada’s crunch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Now you can bring the Taco Bell experience to your table with this homemade tostada recipe. Crunch away and enjoy!