Beef Tostadas
Beef tostadas offer a delightful crunch combined with flavorful seasoned ground beef, topped with vibrant cabbage, salsa, and cheese. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish combines crispy tortillas with savory toppings for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 pound ground round ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- dash hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Salsa Cruda ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Place tortillas on a heavy baking sheet; put another baking sheet on top of tortillas.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tortillas are crisp.
- In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, combine onion and ground round.
- Saute until meat is browned.
- Drain off fat and add cumin, salt, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, and hot pepper sauce.
- Stir until well mixed.
- For each tostada, spread 1/3 cup meat on a crisped tortilla.
- Add 1/4 cup shredded cabbage, 2 tablespoons Salsa Cruda, and 2 tablespoons shredded cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lime juice to the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground round with textured vegetable protein or black beans. To enhance the crunch, lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil before baking. You can also customize toppings with fresh cilantro or avocado.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious tostadas with a side of refried beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Salsa Cruda for added zest. For a fun appetizer, consider serving them alongside the Fiesta Bean Dip or Hot Mexican Dip for a festive gathering. Garnish with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tostadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tostadas on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain their crispiness, ensuring a delightful texture upon serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Tostadas contains roughly 672 calories, with 47g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (95% of the Daily Value), and calcium (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1711mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the beef mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance. Cook it as instructed and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the tostadas.
What can I use as a topping besides cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to cheese, consider using guacamole, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. You can also try sliced jalapeños or fresh salsa to add some heat. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How can I make these tostadas spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the beef mixture. You can also drizzle a spicy hot sauce over the assembled tostadas before serving. For those who enjoy a kick, consider pairing them with a spicy version of the Mexican Sauce Dip for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).