My Ultimate Ground Beef Tostadas

Ingredients

• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt (Can use regular kosher salt if unavailable)
• 1 teaspoon Light Chili Powder (Mild heat)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Adds smoky depth)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 8 pieces Flour Tortillas (6‑inch size, store‑bought)
• 0.25 cup Vegetable Oil (For shallow frying)
• 1 cup Refried Beans (Canned or homemade, seasoned with salt)
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (Softened)
• 6 ounce Cream Cheese (Softened, about three‑quarters of a block)
• 1 cup Whole Milk (Full‑fat for richness)
• 4 ounce Cheese Blend (Half American cheese, half mild cheddar, shredded)
• 0.25 cup Avocado Green Salsa (Store‑bought or homemade guacamole‑style salsa)
• 2 tablespoons Mexican Sour Cream
• 1 cup Romaine Lettuce (Shredded)
• 1 medium Tomato (Diced)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (Chopped, optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Season and Cook Ground Beef

   Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, then sprinkle seasoned salt, light chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin over it. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and crumbly.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Medium-high heat

2. Fry Flour Tortillas

   Add about 1‑2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the same skillet and heat over medium heat. Place a tortilla flat in the oil, let it sizzle for ~30 seconds, then flip. Cook until both sides are golden‑brown and the tortilla puffs slightly. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat for all tortillas.

   Time: PT6M

   Temperature: Medium heat

3. Refry Beans

   In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed, then stir in the refried beans. Increase heat to medium and let the beans simmer, mashing with the back of a spoon. Cook until the mixture thickens and any excess liquid evaporates.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: Medium heat

4. Make Creamy Cheese Sauce

   In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add a pinch of onion powder and smoked paprika, stirring quickly. Add the cream cheese and stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, then add the shredded cheese blend. Continue stirring until the sauce is glossy, smooth, and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: Low heat

5. Prep Fresh Toppings

   While the sauce simmers, shred the lettuce, dice the tomato, and chop cilantro if using. Place avocado green salsa and Mexican sour cream in small bowls for drizzling.

   Time: PT5M

6. Assemble Tostadas

   Lay a fried tortilla on a plate. Spread a layer of refried beans, then top with seasoned ground beef. Drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the meat. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomato, a spoonful of avocado salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Repeat for remaining tortillas.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

460

Protein

22g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

22g

Fiber

5g