Refried Beans & Ground Beef Tostadas

Refried bean and ground beef tostadas are a timeless, crowd-pleasing favorite that brings bold flavor and satisfying crunch to the table. Simple ingredients layered thoughtfully create a meal that feels both comforting and festive, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

The base of a crisp tostada shell sets the stage for creamy, warm refried beans that add richness and body. Seasoned ground beef brings savory depth, infused with classic spices that echo traditional Mexican home cooking without overwhelming the palate.

What makes tostadas especially appealing is their versatility. They can be dressed up with fresh toppings or kept simple and rustic, depending on what you have on hand. Each bite offers contrast—crispy, creamy, savory, and fresh all at once.

These tostadas come together quickly and are best enjoyed immediately while the shells are still crunchy. Set out toppings family-style and let everyone build their own for a relaxed, interactive meal.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 tostada shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend or cheddar cheese
• ½ cup salsa, red or green

Optional Toppings

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped onion
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Season the beef with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat, stirring until smooth and warmed through.
5. Spread a generous layer of refried beans onto each tostada shell.
6. Top the beans with seasoned ground beef.
7. Add shredded lettuce and sprinkle with cheese.
8. Finish with salsa and any additional toppings. Serve immediately while the tostadas are crisp.

Variations

• Use shredded chicken or carnitas instead of ground beef.
• Add a layer of guacamole for extra richness.
• Swap refried beans for black beans or pinto beans.
• Make it spicy with hot salsa or extra jalapeños.

Tips

• Warm tostada shells in the oven for a few minutes before assembling to enhance crunch.
• Keep beans warm and spreadable for easy layering.
• Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy shells.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side for brightness.