Beef Tostada Salad with Refried Beans is a delicious and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish that combines crispy tostada shells, savory seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a variety of fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado.

This dish delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors: crunchy, creamy, savory, and fresh all in one bite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a fun way to serve guests at a gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both hearty and fresh. The ground beef is richly seasoned, and the refried beans add a creamy layer that complements the crisp tostada base.

Topped with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy dressing or salsa, each bite is packed with flavor and texture. The combination of warm and cold components makes it satisfying without being overly heavy, which I find perfect for any meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine without deep frying or spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s versatile, customizable, and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free tostadas. It’s colorful, appealing, and the layers of flavor—from seasoned beef to creamy beans and fresh vegetables—make it a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories Approximately 450–500 calories per serving
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water

For the Refried Beans

• 1 cup canned refried beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Salt, to taste

For Assembly

• 4–6 tostada shells
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Salsa or hot sauce, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add beef broth or water and simmer for 3–4 minutes until flavors meld and liquid reduces slightly.

2. Prepare Refried Beans

1. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add refried beans and cumin. Stir to combine and heat until warmed through, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

3. Assemble Tostada Salad

1. Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
2. Top with a generous portion of seasoned beef.
3. Layer shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, cheese, avocado, and olives as desired.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and salsa or hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook Beef: Brown ground beef and sauté onion and garlic. Season with spices and simmer briefly.
2. Prepare Beans: Heat refried beans with olive oil and cumin.
3. Prep Toppings: Dice tomatoes, avocado, and onion; shred lettuce and cheese.
4. Assemble Tostadas: Spread beans on tostadas, add beef, then top with vegetables, cheese, and garnish.
5. Serve: Offer lime wedges and salsa alongside.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve immediately to keep the tostadas crisp.
• Pair with Mexican rice or a side of black beans for a complete meal.
• These salads also work well as individual portions for parties or meal prep.

Recipe Tips

• For extra crunch, toast tostadas in the oven for 2–3 minutes before assembling.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
• Layer ingredients carefully to prevent sogginess; add tomatoes and avocado just before serving.
• You can add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Variations

Chicken Tostada Salad

Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef. Season with taco seasoning or fajita spices.

Vegetarian Version

Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and keep refried beans as the protein base.

Keto-Friendly

Use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas instead of tostadas.

Southwest Twist

Add corn, black beans, and a cilantro-lime dressing for a Southwestern flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration

• Store leftover beef mixture and refried beans in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Assemble tostadas just before serving to maintain crispness.

Freezing

• Beef filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Refried beans can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Tostadas should not be frozen; they will lose their crisp texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet for cooking beef
• Small saucepan for heating refried beans
• Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
• Plates or serving platter for assembly

FAQ

Can I use canned chili-style beef instead of cooking ground beef?
Yes, you can, but adjust seasoning to taste as canned versions are often already seasoned.

Can this be made vegetarian?
Absolutely, substitute beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or extra beans.

How do I keep the tostadas from getting soggy?
Assemble tostadas just before serving and add moist ingredients like tomatoes and avocado at the last minute.

Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?
Yes, store cooked beef in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before assembling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the tostada shells are gluten-free and check the refried beans and seasonings.

Conclusion

Beef Tostada Salad with Refried Beans is a flavorful, satisfying, and versatile dish that combines the best of Mexican-inspired ingredients in a simple, easy-to-make format. With layers of crispy tostada, creamy beans, savory beef, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, casual lunch, or entertaining guests. Its versatility, bold flavors, and appealing presentation make it a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine.