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Bean and Beef Tostadas

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These Bean and Beef Tostadas are an easy dish that can be served as a quick weeknight dinner. Not only is this Mexican-inspired dish delicious but it’s also family-friendly. If you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry, then give this recipe a try.

Bean and Beef Tostadas on 2 white bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

  • This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, yet packs in flavor.
  • The combination of beans, beef, tomatoes, and spices creates a delicious filling for the crunchy tostadas.
  • Plus, it’s customizable so you can add whatever toppings your family likes best!
ground beef, taco seasoning, tostada shells, shredded lettuce, roma tomatoes, shredded cheese, 1 ripe avocado and refried beans

Ingredients 

You only need a few simple ingredients to help you make this tasty meal. All these ingredients are easy to find at a local grocery store and you can pick them all up in one quick trip for a delicious family meal.

  • tostada shells
  • ground beef
  • taco seasoning
  • water
  • refried beans
  • lettuce
  • fiesta blend cheese
  • Roma tomatoes
  • avocado
  • sour cream

Equipment 

For this tasty recipe, you will need a few kitchen tools to help you make this family-friendly meal. Gather these tools and get ready to enjoy this family meal.

  • medium skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • spatula
  • spoon
  • sharp Knife
  • cutting board

How to Make Bean and Beef Tostadas

Making these tostadas is so simple; just follow these step-by-step instructions and you will have a hearty meal that your whole family will enjoy in no time at all.

browned ground beef in a large skillet with taco seasoning

Step 1: Brown the beef and drain the grease

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Once browned, drain grease, and add taco seasoning, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and cook for 3 minutes.

refried beans on a medium saucepan

Step 2: Cook the refried beans

Add refried beans to a medium saucepan and heat over low/medium heat while the ground beef is cooking.

chopped lettuce

Step 3: Prep the vegetables

While the beef and beans are cooking, chop your lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.

sour cream over the tostadas

Step 4: Assemble the tostadas

To assemble the tostadas: Add a small amount of refried beans to the tostadas and spread in a thin layer. Add some ground beef, then sprinkle with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle sour cream over the tostadas.

Bean and Beef Tostadas on white table with cloth

Storage

These Bean and Beef Tostadas will store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend storing them unassembled so that they don’t become soggy.

Reheat the beef and bean mixture in the microwave until warm all the way through.

Pro Tips 

Here are a few tips to make sure that this recipe turns out perfectly for you every time that you make it.

  • If you want to make this dish spicier, add a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or diced jalapenos to the beef and bean mixture.
  • You can also customize these tostadas with all of your favorite toppings like olives, cilantro, or salsa.
  • Toast the tostada shells in an oven for 4-5 minutes at 400°F to give them a nice crunch.
  • Lastly, if you prefer a vegetarian meal, simply omit the ground beef and double up on the refried beans for a delicious meatless option.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this Bean and Beef Tostadas recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.

What type of beef should I use?

You can use any ground beef that you like, but I prefer using lean ground beef so that it’s not too greasy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef and beans ahead of time, and then just reheat and assemble when you are ready to serve.

Can I freeze the beef and bean mixture?

Yes, this mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling.

Other Delicious Recipes That You May Enjoy

Bean and Beef Tostadas
Yield: 12

Bean and Beef Tostadas

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This simple, classic recipe is one of my family's favorites! Refried beans and ground beef on a tostada base, then loaded with goodies.

Ingredients

  • 12 tostada shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 oz taco seasoning
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 16 oz can refried beans
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup fiesta blend cheese, shredded
  • 1-2 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced and diced
  • ½ cup sour cream

You will need the following items:

  • Medium skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Spoon
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Once browned, drain grease, and add taco seasoning, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add refried beans to a medium saucepan and heat over low/medium heat while the ground beef is cooking.
3. While the beef and beans are cooking, chop your lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.
4. To assemble the tostadas: Add a small amount of refried beans to the tostadas, and spread in a thin layer. Add some ground beef, then sprinkle with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle sour cream over the tostadas.

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