How to Make Authentic Mexican Tostadas - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, tostadas are a beloved classic. These crispy, open-faced tortilla dishes are a versatile favorite that can be customized with a range of toppings and flavors. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or main course, tostadas are a crowd-pleasing option for any meal. This authentic recipe for Mexican tostadas will guide you through the process of creating this delicious and satisfying dish that has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for generations.

At the heart o...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 (2 pound) boneless beef chuck roast
  • 1 medium onion, halved
  • 6 cloves garlic, divided
  • salt to taste
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 pounds dried pinto beans
  • salt to taste
  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • 1 large lemon, juiced
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 5 tomatoes, stems removed
  • 3 jalapeno peppers, stemmed, or more to taste
  • salt to taste
  • 12 corn tostada shells
  • 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
  • 1 head lettuce, chopped
  • 2 (12 ounce) packages crumbled cotija cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 tostadas

  • Fill a large pot halfway with water and add chuck roast. Add onion and 4 cloves garlic, and season with salt. Cook over medium-low heat until meat is falling apart, about 1 1/2 hours. Let cool slightly and shred using 2 forks. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Bring water to a boil in a large pot; add pinto beans and salt to taste. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until tender, about 1 hour. Drain and let cool slightly. Smash beans using a potato masher; set aside and keep warm.
  • Place red onions, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl and combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Bring tomatoes, jalapenos, and enough water to cover to a boil in a small pot. Continue to boil until semi-soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and transfer to a blender. Add remaining 2 cloves garlic; season with salt. Blend hot sauce until smooth.
  • Top each tostada evenly with cooked beans, sour cream, shredded beef, lettuce, Cotija cheese, marinated red onions, and hot sauce, in that order.
  • Nutrition

    712 cal.

    • Total Fat: 33g
    • Saturated Fat: 17g
    • Cholesterol: 102mg
    • Sodium: 790mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 65g
    • Dietary Fiber: 14g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 40g
    • Vitamin C: 25mg
    • Calcium: 536mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 1485mg