Tostada Grande
Tostada Grande is a hearty, layered Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned beef, beans, and melted cheese on a crispy crescent roll or biscuit crust. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion, it's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. taco or chili seasoning mix
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 3 to 4 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can crescent rolls or 7.5 oz. can refrigerated biscuits ⓘ
- 1 cup refried beans ⓘ
- 4 oz. Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 head lettuce, shredded ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef; drain well.
- Stir in taco or chili seasoning mix, tomato sauce, drained green chilies, and Tabasco sauce; heat until hot and bubbly.
- Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Lightly grease a 9 or 10-inch pie plate.
- Separate the crescent rolls or biscuits; arrange in the prepared pan.
- Press over the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.
- Spread refried beans over the dough.
- Top with the meat mixture and bake at 375°F for 18 to 22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Sprinkle immediately with shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses.
- Garnish with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, and chopped onion.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more Tabasco sauce or using a spicier taco seasoning mix. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option. If you prefer a flaky crust, use crescent rolls instead of biscuits. To enhance flavor, try mixing in some black olives or jalapeños with the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tostada Grande with a side of Mexican recipes like Zesty Black Bean Soup or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also offer toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings, so consider pairing it with chips and dip for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tostada Grande contains roughly 642 calories, with 28g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1574mg per serving (68% 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 Tostada Grande ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the crust a few hours in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake the assembled dish until heated through and the crust is golden brown.
Can I freeze Tostada Grande?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Tostada Grande. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for about 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of crescent rolls?
If you don't have crescent rolls, you can use refrigerated biscuits or even puff pastry as a base. Just ensure to adjust the baking time if necessary, as different doughs may require varying cooking times to achieve a golden brown crust.
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).