Beef and Bean Tostadas Recipe

This mouthwatering Beef and Bean Tostadas recipe combines crispy homemade tostada shells with perfectly seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and fresh toppings for an explosion of Mexican-inspired flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, these tostadas are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Low-carb flour tortillas: These form the crispy base of your tostadas. The La Banderita carb counter tortillas are perfect if you’re watching carbs, but any tortilla will work.
• Olive oil spray: Just a light coating helps achieve that perfect crispiness without deep frying.
• Salt and paprika: Simple seasonings that transform your tortillas into flavorful tostada shells.
• Ground beef: The star protein that brings richness and substance to each bite. Choose lean ground beef for less fat but plenty of flavor.
• Taco seasoning blend: A balanced mix of salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and fresh cracked pepper creates that authentic taco flavor we all crave.
• Refried beans: These provide a creamy, protein-rich layer that helps everything else stick to your tostada. They’re also delicious!
• Fresh toppings: Chopped lettuce, red onion, fresh salsa, and diced radish bring brightness, crunch, and freshness to balance the hearty beef and beans.
• Reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend: Adds that necessary melty, savory element without overwhelming calories.
• Greek nonfat yogurt: A brilliant stand-in for sour cream, offering the same tangy creaminess with extra protein and less fat.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat altogether and double up on beans, or add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Grain-Free: Use cheese shells (baked circles of cheese) instead of tortillas for a completely grain-free option.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to your meat seasoning.

How to Make Beef and Bean Tostadas

Step 1: Prepare the Tostada Shells

Preheat your oven to 355°F. Lightly spray both sides of each tortilla with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and paprika. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes on each side. Then flip and bake for 2 more minutes per side, followed by 1 final minute per side until perfectly crisp and golden. Keep a close eye on them as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains. While the beef cooks, combine all the taco seasonings (salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and pepper) in a small bowl with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry paste. Drain excess fat from the beef if desired, then pour the seasoning slurry over the meat. Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare Your Toppings

While the meat simmers, chop the lettuce, dice the red onion and radish, and get your refried beans, salsa, cheese, and Greek yogurt ready for assembly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tostadas

Start with a crispy tostada shell. Spread a generous layer of refried beans, then add a portion of the seasoned beef. Top with lettuce, red onion, salsa, cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with diced radish. Add hot sauce if desired for an extra kick!

How to Serve

Main Course

Serve two tostadas per person with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad dressed with lime juice and olive oil.

Buffet Style

For entertaining, set up a tostada bar with all the toppings in separate bowls, allowing guests to build their own perfect tostada.

Drink Pairings

These tostadas pair wonderfully with a cold Mexican beer, a classic margarita, or for non-alcoholic options, try horchata or a sparkling water with lime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Components

Store each component separately for best results. The seasoned beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Prepared tostada shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Freezing

The seasoned beef freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer bags for quick future meals. The tostada shells and fresh toppings don’t freeze well, so it’s best to make those fresh.

Reheating

Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot. If the tostada shells have softened, you can crisp them up with a quick reheat in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Beef and Bean Tostadas bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table with minimal effort. Crispy, creamy, fresh, and savory all in one bite – they truly deliver a restaurant-quality experience that the whole family will request again and again. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these tostadas hit all the right notes. Give them a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!

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