Oven Tostada
A hearty oven-baked tostada casserole layered with seasoned beef, crispy corn chips, and melted cheese, perfect for a flavorful family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb low-fat ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 oz taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 16 oz can refried beans ⓘ
- 8 oz can crescent dinner rolls ⓘ
- 3/4 lb medium sharp cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 small can mild green chili peppers ⓘ
- 10 oz bag corn chips, crushed ⓘ
- shredded lettuce (optional) ⓘ
- diced tomatoes (optional) ⓘ
- sliced ripe olives (optional) ⓘ
- hot sauce (optional) ⓘ
- sour cream (optional) ⓘ
- grated sharp cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion; drain well.
- Add taco seasoning, water or beef broth, and refried beans to the beef mixture; stir to combine.
- Press crescent dinner rolls into a greased 7 1/2 x 11 3/4-inch casserole dish, forming a crust.
- Layer crushed corn chips over the crescent roll crust.
- Pour the ground beef mixture evenly over the crushed chips.
- Sprinkle grated sharp cheese on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cut into squares and serve with optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, hot sauce, sour cream, or additional cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the crescent rolls with whole wheat tortillas for a different crust. If you're short on time, pre-cooked refried beans can speed up the process. Adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture can enhance the texture and flavor, making this a versatile dish.
Serving Suggestions
This oven tostada is perfect for casual gatherings and pairs beautifully with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced olives as toppings. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or with sides like Mexican rice or black beans. It also goes well with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, covering to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Tostada contains roughly 573 calories, with 16g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and crust ahead of time. Assemble the dish but bake it just before serving to ensure the crust stays crisp. Alternatively, you can fully bake and reheat later, but the texture may change.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
If you don't have taco seasoning, you can create your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust the spices to your taste for a personalized flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the filling and keep it hearty.
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).