Taco Bell Tostada

This Taco Bell Tostada recipe is a fun and easy way to recreate a fast-food favorite at home! With a crispy tostada shell topped with layers of creamy refried beans, melty cheddar cheese, zesty pico de gallo, and fresh guacamole, it’s a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor.

Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and pickled jalapenos for an extra kick.

Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or a snack, these tostadas offer all the delicious flavors of Taco Bell in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Taco Bell Tostada recipe because it brings together the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and fresh flavors in every bite.

The crunchy tostada shell provides the ideal base for the rich refried beans, while the melty cheddar cheese and fresh pico de gallo add a burst of flavor.

The guacamole brings a creamy texture, and the shredded lettuce adds a satisfying crunch.

With the option to customize with toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, or pickled jalapenos, it’s a versatile and delicious dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

It’s a fun, customizable meal the whole family will love!

Key Ingredients:

Tostada shells: The crispy base that holds all the delicious toppings, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Refried beans: The creamy, flavorful spread that adds richness and depth to the tostada.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly on top of the beans, adding a sharp, savory flavor.

Pico de gallo: A fresh, zesty topping made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime, adding a burst of freshness.

Guacamole: Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, guacamole complements the other toppings and adds a smooth texture.

Taco Bell Tostada

Ingredients:

8 tostadas

2½ cups refried beans homemade or 2 (14oz.) cans

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup pico de gallo homemade or store-bought

¼ cup guacamole homemade or store-bought

½-1 cup shredded lettuce

Optional Toppings

sour cream, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeno, hot sauce

Instructions:

Step 1:

Prepare refried beans ahead of time using easy recipe for Instant Pot Refried beans.

Alternatively, use 2 cans of refried beans, and warm them in a sauce pan with a tablespoon of olive oil.

Adjust seasoning based on your liking.

Step 2:

Prepare pico de gallo, guacamole and other ingredients and toppings including shredded cheese, sour cream etc.

Step 3:

Spoon and spread a layer of refried beans on the tostadas, leaving ½-inch around the edges.

Top with about a tablespoon of shredded cheese.

Step 4:

Add pico de gallo, guacamole, and other toppings of your choice of toppings.

Step 5:

Top with shredded lettuce and serve immediately.

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Notes:

Tostadas: For an authentic taste use yellow corn tostadas. Buy store-ready tostadas from your nearest supermarket or make your own by baking or deep frying yellow corn tortillas per the instructions above.

Refried beans: If you can, make the refried beans at home. It is an easy recipe that has more flavor than canned refried beans.

Toppings: Pick your favorite toppings and customize these tostadas to taste. Anything that goes in a taco is a good option for tostadas.

Serve Immediately: Tostadas are best served immediately otherwise they get soggy. If planning a tostada bar, prepare all the ingredients, store them separately, and assemble them before serving.

Make it Vegan: Use vegan cheese, or skip it altogether to make this recipe vegan. Check the label of store-bought ingredients to ensure they’re vegan.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are tostadas, and where can I find them?

Tostadas are crisp, fried or toasted tortillas, typically made from yellow corn.

You can find them in the international or Mexican food section of most grocery stores, or you can make your own by baking or frying yellow corn tortillas until crisp.

Can I use store-bought refried beans, or is homemade preferred?

You can use either store-bought or homemade refried beans for this recipe.

While homemade refried beans often have more flavor, store-bought can be a convenient option.

If using store-bought, consider warming them in a saucepan with a tablespoon of olive oil and adjusting the seasoning to your liking.

How can I make my own pico de gallo and guacamole?

To make homemade pico de gallo, simply combine diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

For guacamole, mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, pepper, diced onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.

Can I customize the toppings to suit my preferences?

Yes, absolutely! You can customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Consider adding sour cream, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapenos, hot sauce, or any other toppings you enjoy on tacos.

What’s the best way to prevent the tostadas from getting soggy?

Tostadas are best served immediately after assembling to prevent them from getting soggy.

If you’re planning a tostada bar, prepare all the ingredients and toppings separately and assemble them just before serving.

Are there any alternatives to shredded cheddar cheese?

You can use any type of cheese you prefer or omit it altogether.

Some alternatives to shredded cheddar cheese include Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or crumbled feta cheese.

Can I make these tostadas ahead of time for a party or gathering?

While it’s best to assemble the tostadas just before serving to keep them crispy, you can prepare all the ingredients and toppings ahead of time and store them separately.

Assemble the tostadas just before your guests arrive.

How do I keep the toppings fresh and flavorful if serving a tostada bar?

Store the toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

This will help keep them fresh and flavorful until it’s time to assemble the tostadas.

Can I make this recipe vegan by substituting certain ingredients?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using vegan cheese or omitting it altogether.

Ensure that all store-bought ingredients are vegan-friendly by checking the labels.

How can I ensure the tostadas are crispy and not chewy?

To ensure crispy tostadas, make sure to bake or fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.

Avoid overloading them with toppings, as excessive moisture can cause them to become chewy.

Additionally, serving them immediately after assembling will help maintain their crispiness.