Recreating this tostada at home lets you enjoy that familiar flavor with fresher ingredients and better texture. You can keep it classic or adjust it slightly while still honoring the original. It works perfectly as a quick lunch, casual dinner, or even a fun build-your-own meal. Served immediately, it delivers that same crunchy-creamy-savory combination that made it a menu staple for decades. This copycat version stays true to the spirit of the original Taco Bell tostada, giving you that comforting fast-food flavor right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
6 corn tostada shells
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup water
1½ cups refried beans
1½ cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
½ cup Taco Bell-style red sauce or mild enchilada sauce
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the taco seasoning and water, stir well, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Warm the refried beans in a saucepan or microwave until smooth and spreadable. Place tostada shells on a serving plate. Spread a layer of warm refried beans evenly over each shell. Spoon seasoned beef over the beans. Drizzle red sauce over the beef. Top with shredded lettuce and finish with shredded cheese. Serve immediately for best crunch.