Tostada Bake
A hearty baked tostada casserole with seasoned beef, beans, and cheese, perfect for family dinners and taco lovers seeking bold flavors and crispy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Bisquick, cornmeal, 1/4 cup milk, oil, and egg in a bowl and set aside.
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion and taco seasoning in a skillet.
- Add tomato sauce to the meat mixture and stir to combine.
- Press the Bisquick mixture into a pie pan, pressing to the sides to form a crust.
- Layer the cooked meat mixture over the crust.
- Top with pinto beans, chopped chilies, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Spread thin salsa over the cheese layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicy taco seasoning. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans make a great substitute. You can also replace the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. To enhance flavor, sauté the onions until caramelized before adding them to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tostada Bake with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Hot Taco Pie and a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad. You can also offer tortilla chips alongside for extra crunch or to scoop up any leftovers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tostada Bake contains roughly 1176 calories, with 36g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (74% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils or a plant-based ground meat. Additionally, ensure the taco seasoning used is vegetarian-friendly to keep the flavors intact.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare ahead, assemble the Tostada Bake up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of Bisquick?
If you don't have Bisquick, you can make your own baking mix by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will work as a suitable substitute for the crust in this recipe.
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).