Spicy Beef Tostada

•Posted: Sep 21, 2016•Updated: Oct 31, 2022

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!

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.

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.
Make the taco meat and set aside in a bowl.
Spread refried beans onto each tostada shell, followed by a layer of the taco meat.
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.

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.

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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