Ingredients:

  • 8 large (6-inch) Corn Tortillas
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for shells)
  • ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for filling)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 5 lb Lean Ground Beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 2 Tbsp Chili Powder (mild or medium)
  • 1 Tbsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Mexican preferred)
  • ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 cup Low-Sodium Beef or Chicken Stock
  • ½ tsp Salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 (15 oz) can Refried Beans (warmed)
  • 2 cups Iceberg or Romaine Lettuce, finely shredded
  • 1 cup Shredded Cojita or Monterey Jack Cheese
  • ½ cup Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
  • ½ cup Prepared Salsa Roja or Pico de Gallo
  • 1 large Avocado, sliced or diced
  • Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) and Lime wedges (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Lightly brush both sides of the corn tortillas with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden brown. Set aside.
  2. Add 1 Tbsp of oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until completely browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Push the meat aside and add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook the spices in the paste for 1 minute to bloom them. Stir to combine with the beef. Pour in the beef stock and add salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes until the liquid reduces and the mixture is thick. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Lay out the crispy tostada shells. Spread 1–2 Tbsp of warm refried beans over the center of each shell (this acts as the 'glue'). Spoon a generous layer of the seasoned ground beef filling over the beans. Top immediately with shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or crema. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve immediately.