A crispy tostada loaded with juicy shredded beef, black beans, guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and a spicy drizzle—an easy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for taco night!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy & Crunchy – Golden tostada shells provide the perfect base.
✔️ Packed with Flavor – Juicy shredded beef, creamy guacamole, and spicy sauce create the ultimate bite.
✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, or sour cream.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Assemble in minutes if you have pre-cooked beef!
-Ingredients
For the Tostadas:
4 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
1 lb (450g) shredded beef (barbacoa, slow-cooked, or leftover beef)
1 cup black beans (cooked & drained)
1 cup guacamole
1 cup pico de gallo (fresh tomato salsa)
½ cup shredded lettuce
½ cup crumbled cotija or shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
Hot sauce or chipotle sauce (for drizzling) ️
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges for squeezing
Sliced jalapeños for extra spice ️
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shredded Beef
1. If using leftover beef, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth for extra juiciness.
2. If making from scratch, slow-cook beef with garlic, onions, and spices for tender, pull-apart meat.
-Step 2: Heat the Tostada Shells
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange tostada shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes until crispy.
-Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas
1. Spread a layer of black beans over each tostada.
2. Top with shredded beef, spreading evenly.
3. Add a dollop of guacamole and a spoonful of pico de gallo.
4. Sprinkle with shredded lettuce and cheese.
5. Drizzle with sour cream and hot sauce for extra flavor.
-Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
2. Serve immediately while crispy!
-Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover beef, beans, and toppings separately in airtight containers.
Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet before assembling. Keep tostada shells crisp by storing them in a dry place.
-Tips for the Best Tostadas
✔️ Make Your Own Tostada Shells – Fry or bake corn tortillas until crispy.
✔️ Use Slow-Cooked Beef – Tender, flavorful barbacoa makes the best topping.
✔️ Load It Up! – Try adding corn, olives, or refried beans for variety.
✔️ Keep It Crispy – Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy tostadas.
-Fun Variations
Chicken Tostada – Swap beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
️ Spicy Version – Add sliced jalapeños or mix hot sauce into the beef.
Vegetarian Tostada – Use grilled veggies or sautéed mushrooms instead of meat.
Breakfast Tostada – Top with a fried egg for a brunch twist!
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this with ground beef?
Yes! Use seasoned ground beef as a quick alternative.
2. What’s the best cheese for tostadas?
Cotija, queso fresco, or shredded cheddar work best!
3. Can I make tostadas ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients, but assemble just before serving to keep the shells crispy.
-Final Thoughts
These Loaded Beef Tostadas are crispy, flavorful, and super easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesday, or a fun party appetizer!