Here’s a homemade Taco Bell–style Tostada recipe that mimics the crispy shell, seasoned beef, and toppings 🌮✨
🌮 Taco Bell–Style Tostada
Serves
2–4
Ingredients
For the Shells
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4 large corn tortillas
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1–2 tbsp vegetable oil
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Pinch of salt
For the Beef
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp water
Toppings
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Shredded lettuce
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Diced tomato
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Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
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Sour cream
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Optional: sliced jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Tostada Shells
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Brush or spray tortillas lightly with oil on both sides; sprinkle a pinch of salt.
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Bake directly on a sheet pan 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
You can also fry in 1/4 inch of oil for 1–2 minutes per side until crisp.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Brown ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
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Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water.
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Simmer 3–5 minutes until well-coated and slightly saucy.
3️⃣ Assemble the Tostadas
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Place beef evenly on each tostada shell.
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Top with shredded lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
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Add sour cream and optional toppings.
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Serve immediately while shell is crisp.
Tips for Best Results
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Warm shells just before assembling for maximum crunch.
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Use finely shredded cheese for a closer Taco Bell texture.
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For extra flavor, mix a little taco sauce into the beef before topping.
Variations
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Chicken Tostadas: Use shredded cooked chicken with taco seasoning.
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Bean Tostadas: Swap beef for seasoned black or pinto beans.
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Loaded Style: Add guacamole, pickled jalapeños, or diced onions.
If you want, I can make a step-by-step Taco Bell copycat version with exact seasoning ratios so it tastes just like theirs