Family Style Mexican Beef Tostadas
Try this Family Style Mexican Beef Tostadas recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Family Style Mexican Beef Tostadas recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut oil
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 pounds stew meat cut into 1/2†cubes
- 1 (10oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (5.5oz) can tomato juice
- 1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles
- 1/2 cup green salsa verde
- 1 (16oz) can refried beans your favorite brand (i used trader joe’s refried black beans with jalapeno peppers)
- 1/2 cup jack cheese grated
- dash of tabasco optional
- 3 cups iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 (6oz) can sliced black olives drained
- 3 tablespoons italian dressing
- 8 large flour tortillas or corn if you prefer
- toppings: shredded cheddar cheese diced avocados, taco sauce or sour cream
- Carbohydrate 42.9349499510864 g
- Cholesterol 6.285625 mg
- Fat 22.8295064827142 g
- Fiber 4.34664409229083 g
- Protein 9.15078727768673 g
- Saturated Fat 5.22784998978564 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (306g)
- Sodium 589.645549063188 mg
- Sugar 38.5883058587955 g
- Trans Fat 1.35458271370156 g
- Calories 408 calories
Step-by-step
- In a Dutch Oven over medium-high heat, add peanut oil and let warm up.
- Brown meat in 3 batches.
- Put all the meat back in and add in the red onion, garlic, enchilada sauce, tomato juice, chopped green chiles, green salsa verde, salt and chili powder.
- Stir all together and lower heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- A half hour before dinnertime, in a 350°F oven, place the refried beans in a casserole dish and heat for 20 minutes.
- Add the jack cheese on top and continue to bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Take out of oven and add the green onions on top with a dash of Tabasco, if desired.
- Make the salad ahead in a large bowl and refrigerate undressed until ready to use.
- Combine the lettuce, tomato, green onions, black olives, salt and pepper.
- Add the Italian dressing when you are ready to eat and toss well.
- Either warm the tortillas in the 350°F oven for 8 minutes, microwave them, or pan-fry with a little oil in a skillet, browning both sides.
- To assemble, spread the tortilla with a little refried beans, a handful of cheddar cheese, a heaping spoonful of meat, a scoop of salad, some avocado pieces, taco sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
A Taste of Home: My Family's Favorite Mexican Beef Tostadas
The aroma of sizzling beef, the vibrant colors of fresh salsa, the satisfying crunch of perfectly toasted tortillas – these are the memories that flood back whenever I make my family's favorite Mexican Beef Tostadas. It's more than just a meal; it's a tradition, a gathering point, a celebration of simple flavors and shared moments. This recipe isn't some fancy culinary creation; it's a testament to the power of comfort food, perfected over years of family dinners and happy gatherings.
The secret to these tostadas isn't some hidden ingredient or exotic spice, but rather the slow simmering of the beef. I've perfected this recipe over time; initially, I rushed the process, eager for a quick meal, but those attempts simply didn't compare to the rich, tender beef achieved through hours of gentle cooking. It's the kind of cooking that evokes a sense of calm and anticipation – a promise of warmth and satisfaction.
The recipe itself is deceptively simple. The main ingredient, the succulent beef, is braised low and slow with a blend of traditional Mexican flavors – a symphony of onions, garlic, enchilada sauce, and a touch of chili powder. The flavors meld and deepen over time, creating a complex yet comforting taste that's both familiar and exciting. I've always used a Dutch oven for this stage; it's the perfect vessel for slow cooking, holding the heat evenly and ensuring the beef stays tender.
While the beef simmers, I usually tackle the other components – the simple, fresh salad, the subtly spicy refried beans, and the warm, slightly crisp tortillas. The salad is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the beef, a vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and briny black olives. A simple Italian dressing brightens the flavors without overpowering them, allowing each ingredient to shine.
The refried beans are a personal favorite; I love the smoky, slightly spicy kick of the brand I regularly use (Trader Joe's Refried Black Beans with Jalapeno Peppers), but any good quality brand will work perfectly. Baking them adds a delightful warmth and melts the cheese beautifully, creating a comforting and flavorful base for the tostadas.
Finally, the tortillas – the foundation of it all. I prefer flour tortillas for their softness and ability to hold all the delicious fillings, but corn tortillas are a wonderful alternative, adding a slightly more rustic texture. Whether you bake, microwave, or pan-fry them, the slight crispness adds a satisfying texture contrast to the soft beef and creamy toppings.
Putting it all together is a joyous affair. A warm tortilla, a generous spoonful of the tender beef, a layer of creamy refried beans, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, a scoop of fresh salad, and a few slices of avocado – it's a layering of textures and tastes that dance together on the palate. A dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of taco sauce add finishing touches, creating a vibrant masterpiece.
More than just a recipe, these tostadas represent family, tradition, and the simple pleasure of gathering around a table filled with delicious food. They are a reminder that the best meals aren't about complicated techniques or expensive ingredients, but about the love and care that goes into preparing them – and the joy of sharing them with loved ones.
I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different toppings, adjust the spices to your liking, and savor the delicious results. Most importantly, enjoy the process, the aroma, and the shared moments that make this dish so special.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, these Mexican Beef Tostadas are a guaranteed hit. They’re easy to customize, adaptable to different dietary needs (vegetarian options are easily achieved with a hearty vegetable filling), and endlessly satisfying. So gather your family and friends, prepare the ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of a truly unforgettable meal. The memories created around this simple dish will last longer than the last bite.
