A tostada is a beloved Mexican dish that’s all about layers of flavor and satisfying crunch. These crispy homemade tostadas are a fantastic addition to your recipe collection, whether you’re hosting a Mexican-themed fiesta or simply craving a delicious meal. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make tostadas that are irresistible and bursting with authentic flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Meal

  • Crispy Goodness . Achieve that satisfying crunch without deep frying by baking your tostadas.
  • Endless Customization. Load up your tostadas with your favorite toppings, from seasoned meats to fresh veggies and zesty sauces.
  • Budget-Friendly . Making tostadas at home is cost-effective and can easily feed a crowd.
  • Authentic Taste . Experience the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine right in your kitchen.

Making your own tostadas at home is not only fun but also allows you to create a personalized masterpiece that suits your taste buds. Plus, these tostadas are a healthier alternative to deep-fried options since we’ll bake them to golden perfection. Here’s why you’ll love them.

What Is The Proper Way To Eat A Tostada?

Eating a tostada can be a delightful experience, but it can also be a messy one if not done properly. Here’s the proper way to eat a tostada to ensure you enjoy every bite without making a mess:

  • Hold It Correctly . Pick up the tostada carefully, holding it with both hands. Ensure you have a firm grip to prevent it from breaking apart or the toppings from falling.
  • Tilt It . Tostadas are typically piled high with toppings, so it’s essential to tilt it slightly toward your mouth to take a bite. This angle helps prevent the toppings from spilling out.
  • Take a Bite . Take a bite from the edge of the tostada, focusing on the portion that’s easiest to reach without making a mess. Ensure you get a little bit of each layer in your bite for a balanced flavor.
  • Rotate and Repeat . As you eat, continue to rotate the tostada, taking bites from different sides. This approach ensures you evenly enjoy all the toppings and keeps the tostada intact.

Is A Tostada Just A Flat Taco?

Tacos and tostadas share some similarities in terms of ingredients and fillings. The way they are prepared, their texture, and the overall eating experience make them unique dishes in Mexican cuisine.

Tacos are assembled by placing fillings inside the tortilla, which is then folded or rolled. Tostadas are assembled by layering toppings onto the flat, crispy tortilla. The toppings often include beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and more.

What Are Tostadas Made Of?

  • Corn Tortilla Shells
  • Ground Beef
  • Refried Beans
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Cilantro
  • Sour Cream
  • Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Salsa
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper

How To Make A Tostada

  1. Corn Tortillas . You’ll need corn tortillas. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush each tortilla lightly with olive oil on one side.
  2. Cook Tortillas . Place the tortillas, oiled side down, on the skillet. Cook until they become crisp and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and let them cool.
  3. Cook Ground Meat . In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season the meat with your preferred spices, such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, for an authentic Mexican flavor.
  4. Warm Refried Beans . In a separate saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat until warm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Prepare Toppings . Dice the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Shred the lettuce and cheese. Have your salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole ready for an extra kick.
  6. Assemble Tostadas . Take a tostada shell and spread a generous layer of warm refried beans evenly on it. Add a portion of the cooked ground meat on top of the beans. Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions over the meat.
  7. Add Toppings . Drizzle sour cream over the veggies and meat. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  8. Garnish and Serve . Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. If you like it spicy, add salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole. Repeat the process with the remaining tostada shells.
  9. Enjoy! Your homemade tostadas are ready to be devoured. Serve them fresh and crispy for the best taste and texture.
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Tips And Tricks

Making tostadas is a delightful way to enjoy crispy, open-faced tacos. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make them delicious every time:

  • Use Corn Tortillas . Traditional tostadas are made with corn tortillas. Corn tortillas tend to yield a crisper texture than flour tortillas when fried.
  • Select the Right Size . Use small corn tortillas for individual tostadas or larger ones for a meal-sized portion.
  • Keep Toppings Light . Avoid overloading your tostada with heavy toppings, as this can make it challenging to eat. Keep the toppings balanced and manageable.
  • Serve Immediately. Tostadas are best when served immediately after frying. Assemble and serve them promptly to enjoy the crispy texture.

Variations

Tostadas are incredibly versatile, and you can create a wide variety of delicious variations to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for different styles and flavors:

  • Chicken Tostadas - Use shredded or diced cooked chicken seasoned with taco spices. Add lettuce, avocado, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of lime crema.
  • Bean Tostadas - Spread refried beans on the tostada shell, and then add lettuce, diced onions, crumbled queso fresco, and a dash of hot sauce.
  • Seafood Tostadas - Use grilled shrimp, fish, or even ceviche as your protein. Top with shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

What To Serve With Them

Tostadas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some popular options to consider serving with them:

  • Mexican Rice - Serve tostadas with a side of Mexican rice (arroz rojo) for a classic combination. The rice can be flavored with tomatoes, onions, and spices, and it complements the flavors of the tostadas.
  • Refried Beans - Refried beans, either as a side or spread on the tostada itself, add a creamy and savory element to the meal. You can top the beans with cheese for extra flavor.
  • Guacamole - Fresh guacamole is a fantastic accompaniment to tostadas. Its creamy texture and rich avocado flavor provide a nice contrast to the crispy tostada shell.
  • Salsa - Offer a variety of salsas, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, or salsa roja, for dipping or drizzling over the tostadas. Salsas add a burst of freshness and heat to the dish.
  • Sour Cream - A dollop of sour cream on top of the tostadas can help balance the flavors and provide a cooling effect, especially if your tostadas have spicy elements.

How Long Do They Last?

Prepared tostadas have a limited shelf life, especially since they involve ingredients like toppings, which can become less fresh over time.

If you need to store prepared tostadas for a short period, you can refrigerate them. In the refrigerator, they will typically stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

  • Caldo de Res
  • Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken
  • Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa
  • Enchiladas Suizas
  • Carne Picada
  • Chicken Tostadas
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Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a solo fiesta, these tostadas are sure to impress. Enjoy your flavorful journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine!

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Easy Tostada Recipe | How To Make Tostadas

Ingredients

  • ▢ 4 Corn Tortillas
  • ▢ 1 pound Ground Beef
  • ▢ 1 cup Refried Beans
  • ▢ 1 cup Lettuce , shredded
  • ▢ 1/2 cup Tomatoes , diced
  • ▢ 1/4 cup Onion , diced
  • ▢ Cilantro , for garnish
  • ▢ 1/4 cup Sour Cream
  • ▢ 1/2 cup Mexican Blend Cheese
  • ▢ 1/2 cup Salsa
  • ▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil , for frying
  • ▢ 1 tsp Salt
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Corn Tortillas . You’ll need corn tortillas. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush each tortilla lightly with olive oil on one side.
  • Cook Tortillas . Place the tortillas, oiled side down, on the skillet. Cook until they become crisp and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and let them cool.
  • Cook Ground Meat . In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season the meat with your preferred spices, such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, for an authentic Mexican flavor.
  • Warm Refried Beans . In a separate saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat until warm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare Toppings . Dice the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Shred the lettuce and cheese. Have your salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole ready for an extra kick.
  • Assemble Tostadas . Take a tostada shell and spread a generous layer of warm refried beans evenly on it. Add a portion of the cooked ground meat on top of the beans. Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions over the meat.
  • Add Toppings . Drizzle sour cream over the veggies and meat. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  • Garnish and Serve . Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. If you like it spicy, add salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole. Repeat the process with the remaining tostada shells.

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Easy Tostada Recipe | How To Make Tostadas

Ingredients

  • 4 Corn Tortillas
  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 1 cup Refried Beans
  • 1 cup Lettuce shredded
  • 1/2 cup Tomatoes diced
  • 1/4 cup Onion diced
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/2 cup Mexican Blend Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Salsa
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil for frying
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Corn Tortillas . You’ll need corn tortillas. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush each tortilla lightly with olive oil on one side.
  • Cook Tortillas . Place the tortillas, oiled side down, on the skillet. Cook until they become crisp and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and let them cool.
  • Cook Ground Meat . In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season the meat with your preferred spices, such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, for an authentic Mexican flavor.
  • Warm Refried Beans . In a separate saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat until warm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare Toppings . Dice the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Shred the lettuce and cheese. Have your salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole ready for an extra kick.
  • Assemble Tostadas . Take a tostada shell and spread a generous layer of warm refried beans evenly on it. Add a portion of the cooked ground meat on top of the beans. Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions over the meat.
  • Add Toppings . Drizzle sour cream over the veggies and meat. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  • Garnish and Serve . Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. If you like it spicy, add salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole. Repeat the process with the remaining tostada shells.

Easy Tostada Recipe | How To Make Tostadas https://twosleevers.com/tostada-recipe/

Mexican Pizza Pin with text overlay - 8

Mexican Pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to please.

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Why You’ll Love This Quick Dinner Idea

  • Fast. A quick meal that is ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Easy. Use a premade pizza crust for a simple dish that even the kids can help make.
  • Customizable. Use your favorite toppings to make a flavor combination you’re sure to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Ground Beef - Ground beef serves as the savory and protein-rich base for your Mexican pizza.
  • Refried Beans - Refried beans add a creamy and flavorful layer to the pizza crust. They serve as a base and provide a wonderful texture and taste.
  • Shredded Cheese - A classic choice for Mexican dishes, adding a rich and cheesy layer to your pizza. It melts beautifully, creating that gooey and satisfying topping.
  • Corn - Corn kernels bring a touch of sweetness and crunch to your Mexican pizza.
  • Diced Onion - Provide a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to your pizza. They add a layer of freshness and a mild crunch.
  • Diced Tomato - Add juiciness and a refreshing taste to the pizza. They complement the other ingredients and provide a burst of color.
  • Jalapeno Pepper - Jalapeno peppers add a spicy kick to your Mexican pizza. They can be sliced and scattered across the pizza to your desired level of spiciness.
  • Cumin - Cumin is a warm and earthy spice used to season the ground beef. It adds depth and a subtle smokiness to the meat.
  • Chili Powder - Chili powder brings a mild heat and a blend of spices to the ground beef. It enhances the Mexican flavor profile and complements the other seasonings.
  • Garlic Powder - Garlic powder provides a savory and aromatic note to the ground beef.
  • Premade Pizza Crust - The premade pizza crust serves as the foundation for your Mexican pizza. It’s a convenient and quick option for assembling your dish.
  • Salt and Pepper - Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning both the ground beef and the overall pizza.

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying Air Fryer Mexican Pizza with a delightful combination of textures and tastes. You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and enjoyable meal.

How To Make Mexican Pizza

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer. Start by preheating your air fryer to 350F. Preheating ensures that your Mexican pizza cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
  2. Cook Ground Beef . In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Season the Beef . Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let it cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well incorporated into the meat. Remove from heat.
  4. Prepare Pizza Crust . Place your premade pizza crust on a clean surface.
  5. Assemble the Mexican Pizza . Spread a layer of refried beans evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Next, add the seasoned ground beef on top of the beans.
  6. Add Toppings . Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Then, scatter corn, diced onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeno peppers evenly across the pizza.
  7. Air Fry the Pizza . Carefully transfer the assembled pizza into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, and the crust is golden and crispy.
  8. Serve . Once done, carefully remove the Mexican pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before slicing it into wedges.
  9. Garnish and Enjoy . Garnish your air-fried Mexican pizza with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or any other toppings you prefer. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Tips And Tricks

Making Air Fryer Mexican pizza is a delicious and easy process. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your pizza turns out perfectly:

  • Preheat Your Air Fryer . Just like with an oven, it’s a good practice to preheat your air fryer. This helps create a consistent cooking environment and ensures even cooking.
  • Choose the Right Pizza Crust . Select a premade pizza crust that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. You may need to trim it to the desired size or shape.
  • Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully . When layering your ingredients, start with the refried beans as the base. This will help hold the other toppings in place.
  • Spread Toppings Evenly . Distribute toppings like cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, corn, diced tomatoes, and jalapeno peppers evenly across the pizza.

Variations

  • Make it vegetarian. This Mexican Pizza can easily be made vegetarian by omitting ground beef and piling on more beans and cheese.
  • Double it up . If you want to mimic a fast food classic, stack two pizza crusts on top of each other and pack it full of your favorite ingredients.
  • Keep it kid-friendly. If your kids are sensitive to spice, simply leave the jalapenos off or replace them with bell peppers for a milder bite.

What To Serve With It

A Mexican Pizza can be served with a variety of side dishes to complement its flavors. Some of my favorite things to serve alongside it are:

  • Guacamole - A creamy and flavorful avocado dip that pairs well with the spices in the pizza.
  • Salsa - A spicy and flavorful tomato-based dip that adds a nice contrast to the rich cheese and beef in the pizza.
  • Sour Cream - A cool and tangy dip that helps balance out the heat from the jalapeno peppers in the pizza.
  • Mexican-style rice - A simple side dish that can be made with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, providing a tasty and filling accompaniment.
  • Beans - Refried or black beans can be served as a side dish, adding protein and fiber to the meal.
  • Salad - A simple green salad with a squeeze of lime juice and cilantro can add a refreshing crunch to the meal.
  • Tortilla chips - A basket of warm tortilla chips is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for dipping in guacamole or salsa.

Ultimately, the side dishes you choose will depend on your personal taste and the flavors you want to complement the pizza. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect accompaniment for your Mexican Pizza.

How Long Does It Last?

Mexican Pizza can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. To store your Mexican Pizza, you should place the pizza in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Best Pizza Recipes

  • Greek Pizza
  • Pizza Pinwheels
  • Puff Pastry Pizza
  • Tarte Flambee
  • Pizza Balls
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Mexican Pizza | Air Fryer Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

  • ▢ 1 Precooked Pizza Crust
  • ▢ 1 pound Ground Beef
  • ▢ 1 cup Refried Beans
  • ▢ 1 cup Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
  • ▢ 1/4 cup Corn
  • ▢ 1/4 cup Onion , diced
  • ▢ Jalapeno Peppers , sliced
  • ▢ 1/4 cup Tomato , diced
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • ▢ 1/4 tsp Chili Powder
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp Salt
  • ▢ 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the Air Fryer. Start by preheating your air fryer to 350F. Preheating ensures that your Mexican pizza cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
  • Cook Ground Beef . In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  • Season the Beef . Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let it cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well incorporated into the meat. Remove from heat.
  • Prepare Pizza Crust . Place your premade pizza crust on a clean surface.
  • Assemble the Mexican Pizza . Spread a layer of refried beans evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Next, add the seasoned ground beef on top of the beans.
  • Add Toppings . Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Then, scatter corn, diced onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeno peppers evenly across the pizza.
  • Air Fry the Pizza . Carefully transfer the assembled pizza into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, and the crust is golden and crispy.
  • Serve . Once done, carefully remove the Mexican pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before slicing it into wedges.
  • Garnish and Enjoy . Garnish your air-fried Mexican pizza with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or any other toppings you prefer. Serve hot and enjoy!

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And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .

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