Name: Cal-Mex Cheesy Ground Beef Tostadas with Charred Salsa
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream; 1 ripe avocado, sliced; 1/2 small red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 medium Roma tomatoes; 1 small jalapeño pepper; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Cal-Mex Cheesy Ground Beef Tostadas with Charred Salsa

CreamyVanilla6591

When the weather turns stormy and you crave something bold, these Cal-Mex Cheesy Ground Beef Tostadas deliver on all fronts. Inspired by the fusion flavors of Southern California, this dish piles savory ground beef onto crisped corn tortillas, then layers on melty Monterey Jack, cool crema, creamy avocado, and a vibrant homemade charred tomato-jalapeño salsa. Charring the vegetables brings smoky depth to the salsa, while the blend of cheese and crema adds irresistible richness. These tostadas are quick to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends on a cozy, rainy night.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat broiler to high. Place tomatoes and jalapeño on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil until skins are charred and blistered, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes. Remove and let cool, then peel and finely chop. Combine with half the red onion and half the cilantro; season with salt and a squeeze of lime to make salsa.
In a large skillet over medium-high, heat oil. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Wipe skillet clean, return to medium heat. Add tortillas one at a time, cooking until crisp and golden, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. (Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 6-8 minutes per side until crisp.)
Sprinkle cheese evenly over warm tortillas. Top each with a generous heap of ground beef. Dollop with crema, spoon on charred salsa, and garnish with avocado slices, remaining red onion, and cilantro.
Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.