Homemade Tostadas are the perfect mix of crispy, fresh, and satisfying! With layers of creamy refried beans, savory beef, and classic Mexican toppings, they’re a fun family dinner, game-day snack, or party favorite. And that first crunchy bite? Pure joy!
What is a Tostada?
A tostada (pronounced tuh-staa-duh) is basically a flat, crispy tortilla loaded with toppings—like an open-faced taco. The word tostada means “toasted,” referring to the crunchy tortilla base that’s baked or fried until golden.
In Mexico, tostadas are a versatile favorite. They can be piled high with proteins, served alongside soups like Chicken Tortilla Soup or Pozole, or even enjoyed as a snack with simple toppings like beans and cheese.
Tostada Shells – Baked or Fried
Sure, you can buy pre-made tostada shells, but making them at home is quick, easy, and extra fresh.
To Bake (healthier option):
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Lightly spray or brush both sides of corn tortillas with oil.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
To Fry (extra crunchy):
- Heat ¼” vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F.
- Fry tortillas one at a time, 30–45 seconds per side, until golden.
- Drain on paper towels and let crisp on a rack.
How to Make Tostadas
Once your shells are ready, assembling tostadas is easy:
- Cook the Beef – In a skillet, brown ground beef with garlic powder, taco seasoning, salt, and diced onion until cooked through.
- Warm the Beans – Heat refried beans on the stove or in the microwave.
- Assemble – Spread beans onto each tostada shell, then add seasoned beef.
- Top It Off – Layer with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, salsa, and cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime.
💡 Pro Tip: The beans act like “glue,” helping the toppings stick. Want a twist? Swap beans for guacamole, hummus, or sour cream!
Favorite Tostada Toppings
Mix and match to your heart’s content—tostadas are all about customization!
- Crisp lettuce
- Diced tomato
- Avocado or guacamole
- Cotija or queso fresco cheese
- Salsa, pico de gallo, or roasted salsa
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
FAQ About Tostadas
What’s the difference between a tostada and a taco?
A tostada is flat and crunchy, while a taco is folded in a soft or hard shell. Think of tostadas as open-faced tacos!
How do you eat a tostada?
Pick it up and bite in like pizza. It can get messy—keep a fork handy for toppings that fall off.
Can I switch up the protein?
Absolutely! Try shredded chicken, carne asada, shrimp, fish, or keep it vegetarian with beans and veggies.
Make-Ahead Tips
Perfect for meal prep or parties:
- Shells: Bake or fry ahead, cool completely, and store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
- Beef: Cook, cool, and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Veggies: Chop toppings a day ahead and refrigerate in containers.
When ready to serve, just reheat and assemble!
Easy Tostada Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 tostadas
Ingredients
- 10 corn tortillas (or pre-made tostadas)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 10 oz refried beans
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cotija or queso fresco, crumbled
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shells: Bake or fry tortillas until crispy (see directions above).
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, brown beef with garlic powder, taco seasoning, and salt. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Warm Beans: Heat refried beans on the stove or in the microwave.
- Assemble: Spread beans onto each shell, top with beef, then layer with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
- Serve: Add a squeeze of lime and enjoy right away!