Crispy Ground Beef Tostadas with Cotija & Lime

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Crispy Ground Beef Tostadas with Cotija & Lime: Fresh, Flavorful, and Fun!

Get ready for a vibrant and incredibly satisfying meal with these Crispy Ground Beef Tostadas with Cotija & Lime! These open-faced delights feature a perfectly seasoned, savory ground beef base, piled high with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and onions, all finished with salty cotija cheese and a squeeze of bright lime. They’re quick to assemble, bursting with fresh flavors, and offer a delightful crunch in every bite!

These tostadas are a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a lively lunch, or a build-your-own taco night alternative. They’re light yet fulfilling, offering a wonderful balance of textures and the zesty, authentic taste of Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Ingredients:

  • 6 crispy tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or your favorite blend)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (about 2 medium tomatoes)
  • ¼ cup finely diced white onion
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or crumbled feta cheese as a substitute)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh limes, quartered (for serving)
  • Whole cherry tomatoes (for garnish, optional)

Equipment:

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Season the Beef: Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the 1 tbsp taco seasoning and ½ tsp salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to meld and the seasoning to coat the beef evenly. Remove from heat.
  3. Prepare Toppings: While the beef cooks, ensure your shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and finely diced white onion are ready. Have your crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro prepared. Quarter the fresh limes for serving.
  4. Assemble the Tostadas: Lay out the crispy tostada shells on a serving platter or individual plates.
    • Evenly spread a generous layer of the warm, seasoned ground beef over each tostada shell.
    • Top the beef with a layer of shredded iceberg lettuce.
    • Next, add the diced tomatoes and finely diced white onion.
    • Sprinkle generously with crumbled cotija cheese.
    • Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
    • Optional: Place a few whole cherry tomatoes on the side for an extra garnish.
  5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Crispy Ground Beef Tostadas with Cotija & Lime immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing. The lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish that perfectly complements the flavors.

Tips & Variations:

  • Tostada Shells: If you can’t find pre-made crispy tostada shells, you can make your own by lightly brushing corn tortillas with oil and baking them at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  • Extra Toppings: Feel free to customize with your favorite additions like a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a drizzle of hot sauce, sliced avocado or guacamole, or a spoonful of salsa.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your preference, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef for extra heat.
  • Cheese Choice: While cotija cheese is traditional and delicious, feta makes an excellent substitute with its salty, crumbly texture.
  • Make Ahead: You can cook the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling. Prepare all your toppings and store them separately. Assemble just before serving to keep the tostada shells crispy.

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