Spicy Beef Tostada

This Spicy Beef Tostada recipe is an easy way to do a Tex-Mex night at home! Crispy tortilla shells are topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans and a fresh crunch from veggies!

We can’t get enough of this crispy and soft, hot and cold flavor combination. Every bite is like a flavor explosion!

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A Healthy & Fun Dinner Idea!

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. This Spicy Beef Tostada recipe is far from boring, my friends, just wait until you try it.

Of course, you can even cut even more calories from this tostada recipe by using ground turkey or ground chicken, but we do love the flavor of lean ground beef. We’re using our Homemade Taco Meat for the ground beef layer in these tostadas and I’m telling you guys, these are going to be a new favorite dinner recipe.

How to Make Tostadas

Since we’re trying to keep these beef tostadas on the light side, we’re going to crispy them up in the oven instead of frying the tortillas in oil. You can also use your air fryer for these crispy tostadas! Head to the recipe card for full instructions on how to make homemade tostadas without frying.

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  1. Start by placing flour or corn tortillas on a baking sheet. Lightly brush canola or vegetable oil on the tortillas and place into the oven at 450 degrees for 4 minutes. Remove from the oven, turn the tortillas over and brush the other sides with oil. Bake for another 3-4 minutes until crispy.
  2. Make the taco meat and set aside in a bowl.
  3. Spread refried beans onto each tostada shell, followed by a layer of the taco meat.
  4. Top with desired toppings which may include arugula, sliced radishes, cotija cheese and diced avocado.

What Does A Tostada Consist Of?

A tostada is a very simple food that you can spice up or keep as mild as you like. Pile on all the toppings that you can imagine or just add a few toppings of your choice.

Tostadas typically consist of a flat, fried (or baked in this case) corn tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese and other toppings.

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Can I Buy Tostadas At The Store?

You can buy pre-made tostada shells at the grocery store and warm them up in the oven before assembling. I have seen tostadas more and more on my grocery store shelves these days, so it’s a great option to save time when making dinner!

Of course, this Spicy Beef Tostada recipe will be much lower in fat and calories if you make your own tostada shells, but if that’s not a concern of yours then store bought is fine.

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Topping Ideas For Tostadas

Besides the delicious crunch from sliced radishes and fresh arugula like we have for these beef tostadas, there are many other ways to add flavor to a tostada.

Set out a tostada topping bar for parties or holidays, or just a fun dinner night at home!

  • Fresh or sauteéd vegetables like zucchini, peppers, spinach, tomatoes or corn
  • Cheese!!! Shredded Mexican blend cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or pepper jack
  • Sour Cream
  • Guacamole
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Hot sauce, Sriracha
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Fresh lime juice

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Spicy Beef Tostada

  • Author: Dan
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

This Spicy Beef Tostada recipe is an easy way to do a Tex-Mex night at home! Crispy tortilla shells are topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans and a fresh crunch from veggies!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 batch homemade taco meat recipe
  • 6 flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed)
  • 15 ounce can of refried beans, fat free or regular

Toppings For Toastadas:

  • Arugula or shredded lettuce
  • Sliced radishes
  • Cilantro
  • Avocado
  • Limes
  • Cotija cheese
  • Habanero or jalapeño peppers
  • See post for more topping ideas!

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Make the taco meat and set aside.
  3. Place the tortillas on a baking sheet in a single layer, use two baking sheets if needed. Poke the tortillas all over with a fork so they don’t bubble up in the oven. Brush lightly with oil and bake for 2-3 minutes until the edges of the tortilla start to brown. Remove from the oven, flip the tortillas over and brush the second side lightly with oil. Bake for another 2 minutes until brown and crispy. Alternately, you can spray the tortillas with avocado or canola oil spray.
  4. Spread a layer of the beans on each tortilla, followed by a layer of the beef.
  5. Top the tostadas with desired toppings and serve.

Recipe Notes

To Make Tostadas In The Air Fryer:  Poke the tortillas all over with a fork. Spray both sides of the tortilla with an oil based cooking spray. Cook in a single layer in your air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.

  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven / Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

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