Beef & Bean Tostadas

Who doesn’t love a quick, delicious meal that’s easy to customize? These beef and bean tostadas are the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and flavorful. Start with a crispy tostada shell, spread on some warm refried beans, and pile on seasoned ground beef. Add your favorite toppings like lettuce, black olives, and a dollop of sour cream, and you’ve got a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something tasty but low-effort. Plus, it’s super versatile—swap in dairy-free options or add extras like avocado or tomatoes to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself, these tostadas are a guaranteed hit!

Serving Size: 6-8 tostadas

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2.25 pounds ground beef (thawed)

• 1 can (14 oz) refried beans (ensure they’re gluten and dairy-free)

• 1 packet taco seasoning (make sure it’s gluten-free)

• Shredded iceberg lettuce (for topping)

• Sliced black olives (for topping)

• Finely shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional, if dairy-free, omit or use a dairy-free cheese alternative)

• Lactaid sour cream (or dairy-free sour cream, if preferred)

• Tostada shells (check to ensure they’re gluten-free)

Recipe:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.

• Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat.

• Add the taco seasoning to the beef along with a splash of water (as per the seasoning packet instructions). Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

2. Warm the Refried Beans:

• In a separate small saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a small splash of water to loosen them up if needed.

3. Assemble the Tostadas:

• On each tostada shell, spread a thin layer of refried beans.

• Next, top with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture.

• Sprinkle a little shredded lettuce on top, followed by sliced black olives.

• Add a few dollops of Lactaid sour cream (or dairy-free alternative) on top.

4. Optional: If you’re using cheese, sprinkle a bit of the finely shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top for a melty, creamy finish (you can also use a dairy-free cheese).

5. Serve:

• Serve the tostadas immediately while they’re crispy and fresh.

Notes:

• If you’re looking for extra toppings, feel free to add diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro.

• To keep the dish fully dairy-free, ensure that all toppings (like the sour cream and cheese) are dairy-free substitutes.

Enjoy your tasty and customizable Beef and Bean Tostadas!