Name: Ground Beef Tostadas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 2 tbsp taco seasoning; 8 tostada shells; 1 cup refried beans; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup guacamole; 1 cup pico de gallo; ½ cup sour cream (optional); ¼ cup chopped cilantro; ¼ cup chopped green onions

Crispy, bold, and bursting with fresh flavors, Ground Beef Tostadas are the ultimate weeknight dinner fix. With a crunchy tortilla base piled high with seasoned beef, creamy guacamole, shredded cheese, and colorful toppings like pico de gallo and cilantro, this dish brings all the excitement of taco night—but with an extra satisfying crunch. Each bite is a combination of juicy meat, tangy lime, and crisp textures that deliver both comfort and celebration on a plate.

Perfect for busy evenings or weekend gatherings, these tostadas are incredibly easy to prepare and fun to customize. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving a fast and flavorful meal, ground beef tostadas are always a hit. They’re great for meal-prepping, family-style buffets, or just treating yourself to something colorful and crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Tostadas

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes with pantry staples and fresh produce.
Customizable: From classic toppings to creative twists, build your own flavor adventure.
Kid and Crowd Friendly: Everyone loves crispy shells and savory beef—especially when they can add their own toppings.
Perfect Texture Combo: Crunchy base + creamy guac + saucy beef = perfection.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for browning the beef evenly and letting spices bloom fully in the meat.
Baking Sheet (Optional): To crisp store-bought tortillas in the oven if you’re not frying.
Tongs or Spatula: Helps with flipping and assembling tostadas with ease.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
Mixing Bowl: Useful for preparing toppings like guacamole or salsa.
Paper Towels: If frying tortillas, these help drain excess oil and keep the crunch intact.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Tostadas

Ground Beef (80/20 blend): Rich in flavor and the perfect base for absorbing all the taco seasoning.
Taco Seasoning: Adds depth and a warm, spiced kick to the beef.
Tostada Shells: Provide the crispy, sturdy foundation for all the toppings.
Refried Beans: Creamy, savory, and helps hold everything in place.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts slightly over the beef for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Guacamole: Adds creaminess and balances the seasoning with cool, rich texture.
Pico de Gallo: Brings freshness with diced tomatoes, onions, and lime.
Sour Cream (optional): Offers a tangy contrast to the spices.
Chopped Cilantro & Green Onions: For a fresh, herby finish.

How To Make the Ground Beef Tostadas

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully coated and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Shells

If using pre-made tostada shells, warm them in the oven at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until crisp. For homemade, fry corn tortillas in oil until golden and crunchy, then drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Layer the Tostadas

Spread a spoonful of refried beans on each shell, followed by a generous scoop of seasoned ground beef.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Top with shredded cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro. Stack it up or keep it light—your call.

Step 6: Serve Fresh

Serve immediately while the shells are crispy and toppings are fresh and cool. Enjoy!

Serving and Storing Ground Beef Tostadas

These tostadas are best served fresh, right after assembling, to enjoy the crisp texture of the shell and the vibrant toppings. Set up a topping station so everyone can build their own—it makes serving easier and more interactive.

If you have leftovers, store the components separately:

Beef and beans: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Toppings: Keep guacamole, pico, and cheese in individual containers.
Tostada shells: Store at room temperature in a sealed bag or container to maintain crispness.

To reheat, simply warm the beef in a skillet or microwave and rebuild your tostada fresh to avoid sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works great with the same seasoning and method.

How do I keep the tostadas from getting soggy?

Start with a layer of refried beans to act as a barrier, and only assemble them right before eating. That way, the shell stays crunchy.

What other toppings can I use?

Try shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños, diced avocado, hot sauce, or even corn salsa. The options are endless!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep all the components ahead and store them separately. Then just heat and assemble when ready to serve.

Are tostadas gluten-free?

Yes, if you use 100% corn tortillas, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

What sides go well with tostadas?

Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple corn salad to round out the meal.

Want More Taco-Inspired Ideas?

If you love these ground beef tostadas, you’ll definitely want to try these flavorful favorites next:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a quick handheld delight.
Spicy Ranch Taco Dip that doubles as a bold party starter.
Chicken Street Tacos when you want a soft taco twist.
Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso to serve on the side with tortilla chips.
Avocado Boat Dip for a fresh topping or light appetizer.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you pile on the pico? Skip the sour cream? Add jalapeños?

I love seeing how everyone customizes their tostadas. Ask questions too—I’m always here to help you cook with confidence!

✨ For more daily recipes and family-style dinner ideas, check out my Pinterest page: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest