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Ground beef tostadas recipe

This ground beef tostadas recipe creates a delicious Mexican-inspired meal featuring seasoned ground beef served on crispy corn tortillas with fresh toppings. The recipe serves 4-6 people and takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook. Ground beef tostadas offer a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying crunch that makes them ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
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Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • - Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving plates
  • - Can opener
  • - Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Ingredients
  

  • For the Ground Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • For Assembly:
  • 8 tostada shells
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • Hot sauce optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  • Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  • Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the ground beef. Stir well to combine all spices evenly.
  • Pour in tomato sauce and water, mixing thoroughly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces and the flavors meld together.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Warm tostada shells according to package directions if desired.
  • To assemble, spread a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef onto each tostada shell.
  • Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, red onion, cilantro, and avocado slices.
  • Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

The key to perfect ground beef tostadas lies in properly seasoning the meat and achieving the right moisture balance. Don't over-drain the beef as some fat helps carry the flavors. The tomato sauce and water help create a cohesive filling that won't fall off the tostada shell. Ground beef tostadas taste best when assembled just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the shells.