Yum! Refried Bean & Ground Beef Tostadas are classic, easy, and perfect for a casual meal or a potluck 😄 Here’s a straightforward recipe with tips to keep them crispy and flavorful.
Refried Beans & Ground Beef Tostadas
Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 8–10 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, salsa, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 more minutes.
- Warm the refried beans
- Heat beans in a small pot or microwave until smooth and warm.
- Optionally, stir in a little cheese or salsa for extra flavor.
- Assemble the tostadas
- Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
- Add a generous layer of seasoned ground beef.
- Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, sour cream, and salsa as desired.
- Serve immediately
- Tostadas are best crispy, so assemble right before eating.
Tips & Variations
- Crispier shells: Lightly bake store-bought shells at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before topping.
- Vegetarian option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms or a black bean mix.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese on beef, then melt under a broiler for 1–2 min.
If you want, I can also give you a shortcut version using a slow cooker for the beef and beans together — makes it super hands-off for busy days.
Do you want that slow-cooker version?
