Refried Beans & Ground Beef Tostadas

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.