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Delicious Mexican Tostadas

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

Master homemade Mexican tostadas by first crisping up corn tortillas in hot oil. Add warmed bean spread and your favorite toppings for a meal everyone can customize.

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Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:04:29 GMT
A colorful tostada topped with seasoned meat, cheese, diced tomatoes, guacamole, cilantro, and crumbled cheese, served on a dark plate with lime wedges in the background. Pin it
A colorful tostada topped with seasoned meat, cheese, diced tomatoes, guacamole, cilantro, and crumbled cheese, served on a dark plate with lime wedges in the background. | cookingkitchn.com

Looking for a simple DIY Mexican meal idea? Our family goes crazy for these tostadas! They feature a crunchy handmade base loaded with beans, cheese, and all your favorite add-ons. This simple dish works perfectly for taco Tuesdays - just lay out the components and let family members create their own!

What Makes Tostadas Unique

Picture this dish as a flat taco with added snap! My DIY version begins with a crunchy corn tortilla, followed by hot beans, gooey cheese, and cool toppings. This handmade dinner pairs well with any meat - fish, beef, or chicken!

Crafting Each Delicious Layer

The Foundation
Begin your DIY tostada with a wonderfully crunchy tortilla.
First Addition
This simple dish calls for a nice layer of beans - they act as the glue!
Add The Extras
Cover your DIY creation with cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Finishing Touch
A handful of cilantro makes this simple dish pop!

My Favorite Pointers

Make this DIY dinner exciting by creating a toppings station - folks love building their own! For this simple dish to maintain its crunch, only assemble tostadas moments before eating. My handmade version tastes amazing when you combine smooth, crisp, and hot toppings!

Easy Shortcuts

This simple dish turns out great with beans from a can - just throw in some chili powder! When I'm rushing, I grab pre-made shells for my DIY tostadas. Need fast protein for this simple dish? Grocery store rotisserie chicken with a squeeze of lime works wonders!

A zoomed view of a vibrant taco covered with tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, cilantro, and crumbled cheese on a toasted tortilla. Pin it
A zoomed view of a vibrant taco covered with tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, cilantro, and crumbled cheese on a toasted tortilla. | cookingkitchn.com

Change It Up

While this simple dish comes together nicely with grocery store items, try crafting your own tortillas and beans when time allows! My DIY version tastes incredible with freshly fried shells, but the quick simple dish still satisfies with ready-made ones.

Sample These Variations

Enjoy seafood? Crown your DIY tostada with ceviche or grilled fish. Turn this simple dish vegetarian using black beans and grilled vegetables. My children adore breakfast tostadas topped with eggs and bacon. I sometimes combine sweet mango salsa with spicy chicken in my DIY version - totally amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why dry tortillas first?

Drying beforehand makes them fry up more evenly and extra crunchy.

→ How do I know oil is hot enough?

You'll see instant bubbles when you drop the tortilla in. If nothing happens, wait for the oil to heat more.

→ Can I use store-bought shells?

Sure thing, just pop them in the oven for a minute to get them nice and crisp again.

→ Why season lettuce?

A bit of salt and vinegar makes the lettuce tastier and works well with everything else.

→ How do I eat them?

Grab with both hands like you would a small pizza. Don't pile on too many toppings or they'll fall apart.

Tasty Mexican Corn Shells

Crunchy fried corn shells loaded with smooth beans, shredded cheese, fresh greens and vibrant toppings. A beloved Mexican sidewalk specialty prepared at home.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 12 corn tortillas for the base.
02 Veggie or corn oil for frying.
03 A pinch of salt.
04 3 1/2 cups bean paste.
05 Half an iceberg lettuce, thinly cut.
06 2 ripe tomatoes, diced.
07 1-2 fresh avocados, cut into chunks.
08 8 oz grated cheese mix.
09 1 cup chunky salsa sauce.
10 Handful of fresh cilantro leaves.

Instructions

Step 01

Gently heat the bean paste until soft and smooth.

Step 02

Pop tortillas in oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes to remove moisture.

Step 03

Pour oil about 1/4 inch deep and wait till it bubbles slightly.

Step 04

Drop in tortillas one by one, cooking each side for around 1 minute until crunchy.

Step 05

Put on paper towels and sprinkle with a bit of salt.

Step 06

Stick shells back in the 250°F oven to maintain crispness.

Step 07

Place all your toppings in individual dishes for serving.

Step 08

Smear bean paste on each shell and pile on whatever toppings you like.

Notes

  1. Ready-made shells work in a pinch.
  2. Switch up toppings based on what you fancy.
  3. Crispy shells can be made a day ahead.
  4. Popular quick bite from Mexican street vendors.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep skillet for frying.
  • Sturdy metal tongs for flipping.
  • Flat baking trays.
  • Stack of paper towels for draining.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from the cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 586
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 23 g