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Crispy Ground Beef Tostadas with Creamy Refried Beans

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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy corn tostadas topped with flavorful ground beef and homemade creamy refried beans, perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups cooked pinto beans (homemade or canned, rinsed)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Water or bean cooking liquid, as needed
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema

Instructions

  1. Prepare the refried beans: Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add cooked pinto beans and a pinch of salt. Stir for a minute, then mash beans using a potato masher or back of a spoon. Add water or bean liquid gradually to reach creamy consistency. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. Cook the ground beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until slightly golden, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Fry the tostadas: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F / 175°C). Carefully place one tortilla at a time into hot oil. Fry 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Use tongs or slotted spoon to flip and remove. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Assemble the tostadas: Spread a generous spoonful of creamy refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with seasoned ground beef. Add shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Finish with a dollop of sour cream or crema if desired.
  5. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady when frying tostadas to avoid greasy or burnt shells. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and omit cheese and crema or use dairy-free alternatives. Refried beans can be made ahead and reheated gently with water. Avoid assembling tostadas too far ahead to keep shells crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tostadas, refried beans, crispy tostadas, Mexican recipe, quick dinner, easy Mexican food, homemade refried beans

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/crispy-ground-beef-tostadas-recipe-with-creamy-refried-beans-easy-guide/