We recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the blog running. See our full disclosure here.
Looking for a meal that’s easy, versatile, and perfect for the whole family? Try our customizable tostada recipe! Featuring homemade tostada shells as the crunchy base, topped with beans, meat, veggies, and optional toppings, these tostadas are a hit for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, everyone can build their own tostada just the way they like it.
Tostadas is one of those diners that is on repeat in our weekly meal planning. It never gets old. And it probably never gets old because every week there is something a little bit different. A little bit different, but enough the same in the toppings we lay out on the table. For instance, we generally have some type of bean, but the type of bean varies from week to week. One week it may be black beans, the next re-fried pinto beans. And not only the beans, but the vegetables as well. Cabbage is a frequent topping choice some weeks and other weeks we use shredded lettuce. Some weeks we have pickled radishes and some weeks we have pickled onions. Even the cheese type and salsa types depends on what we have on hand. And what matches with the ingredients that we are using that week.
Tostadas = Your Meal Time Canvas
The most loved thing about tostada recipe night is that we get to eat family style. That means that in less than 15 minutes, we have bowls and platters of ingredients lining our dining table. Then everyone gets to build their own tostada. The adults get to add as much as they like, and the kids as little as they wish. Or vice versa! We like to call these types of meals, build your own adventure. Another fun thing about tostadas is that in the same meal, you could make two to three different versions.
Picky Eaters Love Tostadas
Choosing your own adventure type meals mean that kids get to explore different things on the table at their own pace. When it comes to picky eaters being in control of what goes on your plate is a safe feeling. We’ve found that when we lay ingredients on our table with no rules, our kids will actually try things that they would not try if we were to put it on the plate for them in the first place. Perhaps its a bit of peer pressure, or just the notion that they get to make a choice for themselves. But whatever it is – it works for us! And an interactive table makes for a more vivacious meal.
Tostada Recipe for the Entertaining Win!
Speaking of vivacious meals, our tostada recipe is great for casual entertaining. A tostada spread laid out is not only beautiful visually, but makes for a fun and relaxing party. And whatever leftovers you have can be easily made into a meal the next day.
Tostada Recipe Ingredients and Tips
We think it’s worth making homemade tostada shells, but you can use store bought. Same with the beans. Homemade beans are the best! But if you are in a true hurry, canned beans work just fine. This is one of those meals that you can put as much or as little effort into as you need.
Start early in the week with batch cooking. Make a batch of tostada shells on day. Another day make a pot of beans while you clean house. While you are doing something else in the kitchen you can quick pickle some vegetables. And you can also plan to use those ingredients in various meals throughout your week.
Or, if you forgot to plan dinner one night, grab the items you need from the store and be on your way! Either way you do it, tostadas will probably make their way into your meal plan more frequently.
Customizable Tostadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tostada shells
- 2 cups cooked beans black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans
- 1 lb cooked meat optional (ground beef, shredded chicken, or pork)
Vegetables:
- 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup quick pickles onions, radishes, jalapenos, and/or fresnos
Optional toppings:
- salsa optional
- Mexican crema or sour cream optional
- Queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese optional
Instructions
- Prepare the tostada shells according to the linked recipe.
- Warm up the cooked beans in a saucepan over medium heat. If using meat, warm it up separately.
- Assemble the tostadas: Spread a layer of beans over each tostada shell. Add the cooked meat on top, if using.
- Top with shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes, and pickled onions, radishes, jalapenos, or fresnos.
- Drizzle with salsa or pico de gallo, Mexican crema or sour cream, and sprinkle with queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Build Your Own: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on personal preferences.
- Packed Lunches: Leftovers make a great packed lunch, especially for kids!