Tostado
Crispy tostado shells topped with a flavorful beef and tomato mixture, melted cheese, and seasoned beans, offering a savory, crunchy, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. lean ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 8 tostado shells, broken into quarters ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheese (4 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. leaf oregano, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour (all-purpose) ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven rack in upper third of oven to 450°F (very hot).
- Crumble ground beef into a large heavy skillet and cook over moderately high heat until browned.
- Add chopped onions and garlic; cook for 5 to 8 minutes until meat is no longer pink.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and flour; cook over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Add canned tomatoes and diced green chilies; cook for 3 minutes until mixture thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using 80/20 ground beef instead of lean. You can substitute the pinto beans with black beans if desired. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Make sure to break the tostado shells into even pieces for consistent crunch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a Mexican Chef'S Salad on the side to balance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tostado mixture over the broken tostado shells and top with shredded cheese, diced avocados, or sour cream for added creaminess. Complement the dish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for game day or casual gatherings and pairs excellently with El Grande for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, but be cautious as this may make the tostado shells less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tostado contains roughly 800 calories, with 45g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), protein (91% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2122mg per serving (92% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and assemble with tostado shells and toppings. This makes it a great option for quick weeknight dinners or hosting gatherings.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or crumbled tofu seasoned with the same spices for similar flavor. These alternatives will still provide a hearty base for your tostados.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the heat, you can add diced bell peppers instead of hotter peppers or reduce the amount of green chilies. Conversely, if you prefer more spice, include crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. Adjust according to your taste for the perfect balance.
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).