Ground Beef Tostadas

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and continue cooking until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef and spices evenly. Cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Warm the tostada shells in the oven according to the package instructions, or you can make your own tostadas by frying corn tortillas in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Drain the excess oil on paper towels.
4. Spread a layer of refried beans onto each tostada shell.
5. Top the beans with a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef.
6. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese on top of the ground beef.
7. Optional: Add sliced jalapeños for some heat.
8. Serve the ground beef tostadas with lime wedges on the side for squeezing fresh lime juice over the toppings.
9. Offer additional toppings such as salsa or hot sauce, sour cream or Mexican crema for people to customize their tostadas according to their taste preferences.
10. Enjoy the delicious and crunchy ground beef tostadas as a satisfying meal. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a fun appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Cook’s Tips:

• Feel free to customize your ground beef tostadas with additional toppings to suit your taste. Some popular choices include black olives, pickled jalapeños, diced onions, or guacamole.
• If you prefer a spicier ground beef, you can add additional chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture.
• For a healthier version, you can use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
• If you want to make the dish vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with cooked and seasoned black beans or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Ground beef tostadas are a crowd-pleasing and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. They offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making them a favorite in Mexican cuisine. Enjoy the crunchy tostadas topped with flavorful beef, beans, and a variety of fresh toppings!