Easy Ground Beef Tostadas

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Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal? Easy ground beef tostadas are the answer! These crunchy treats are perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. You can whip up these flavorful tostadas in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

The crispy shells are loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and fresh toppings. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado. Kids and adults alike will love building their own tostadas. It’s a fun, hands-on dinner that the whole family can enjoy together.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty ground beef tostadas:

• 8 tostada shells or corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup salsa, plus extra for serving

For the toppings and assembly:

• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream and fresh cilantro, for serving

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can easily double the ingredients if you’re feeding a bigger crowd. Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will make the process smoother and more fun!

Remember, you can adjust the toppings to your liking. Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on what you enjoy most on your tostadas.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F if you’re making fresh tostada shells. Place corn tortillas on the oven rack and bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Set them aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Toss in minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. When the beef is brown, mix in salsa and heat through. Remove from heat.

While the beef cooks, warm up the refried beans. Microwave them in 30-second bursts until hot.

Time to build your tostadas! Spread a thin layer of warm beans on each crispy shell. Top with a big spoonful of seasoned beef.

Add your favorite toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Don’t be shy – pile them on!

Serve your tostadas right away with extra salsa on the side. Grab one and dig in!

Possible Substitutes List

Want to switch things up? You can easily swap out ingredients in this tasty tostada recipe. Here are some yummy options to try:

For the ground beef:

• Ground turkey or chicken
• Crumbled tofu
• Cooked lentils
• Plant-based meat substitute

Instead of tostada shells:

• Soft flour tortillas
• Lettuce wraps
• Tortilla chips (for a “tostada nacho” twist)

Veggie swaps:

• Bell peppers for tomatoes
• Cabbage for lettuce
• Pickled onions for fresh ones

Can’t find refried beans? Use:

• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Fat-free refried beans for a lighter option

Cheese alternatives:

• Queso fresco
• Cotija cheese
• Dairy-free shredded cheese

Mix it up with these toppings:

• Pico de gallo
• Corn salsa
• Pickled jalapeños
• Lime wedges for a zesty kick

These swaps let you make the recipe your own. Try different combos to find your favorite!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can easily adapt this tasty tostada recipe for a diabetes-friendly meal. Start by using whole grain corn tortillas instead of regular ones. They have more fiber and nutrients.

Choose extra-lean ground beef or swap it for ground turkey. This cuts down on saturated fat. Drain any excess grease after cooking the meat.

Load up on non-starchy veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and bell peppers. These are low in carbs and high in vitamins. Go easy on higher-carb toppings like beans and corn.

Use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream in smaller amounts. Or try Greek yogurt as a creamy substitute.

Skip the avocado or use just a little. While nutritious, it’s high in calories.

Watch your portion size. Stick to 1-2 tostadas per serving. Fill up on a side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.

Check labels on store-bought items like salsa and taco seasoning. Pick low-sodium options when possible.

By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy a yummy tostada meal while keeping your blood sugar in check. Remember to talk to your doctor about the best meal plan for you.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

To make your ground beef tostadas even tastier, try these tips:

• Toast the taco seasoning in the pan for 30 seconds before adding the beef. This brings out more flavor.
• Use a potato masher to break up the ground beef as it cooks. It creates a finer texture.
• For extra crispy shells, brush corn tortillas with oil before baking.

Get creative with toppings! Try:

• Pickled jalapeños
• Sliced black olives
• Corn kernels
• Diced bell peppers

To save time, prep ingredients ahead:

1. Cook the beef mixture
2. Chop veggies
3. Shred cheese

Store each component separately in airtight containers. The beef will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.

For easy leftover lunches, pack the toppings and meat separately from the shells. Assemble just before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh.