Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada are a bold, satisfying meal featuring crispy corn tortillas topped with tender, flavorful grilled steak, creamy refried beans, and all your favorite toppings. These tostadas are a beautiful balance of texture and taste—crispy, juicy, creamy, spicy, and fresh—all in one bite!
Perfect for family dinners, taco Tuesdays, or parties, these tostadas bring authentic street-food flavor right into your home. They’re customizable, fun to assemble, and always a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Carne Asada:
- 1½ lbs flank or skirt steak
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
For the Tostadas:
- 8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups refried beans (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- Sour cream or Mexican crema, for drizzling
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, lime wedges
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and spices. Add the steak and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Step 2: Grill the Steak
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, pat dry slightly, and grill for 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until medium-rare or preferred doneness. Rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Step 3: Warm the Beans
Heat refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat until warm and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas
- Spread a spoonful of warm beans over each tostada shell. Top with slices of carne asada, lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, onion, and a drizzle of crema or sour cream.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
- Serve the tostadas right away to keep the shells crisp. Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or lime wedges if desired.
Variation:
- Cheesy Tostadas: Melt cheese on the tostada shells in the oven for 3 minutes
- Loaded Version: Add corn, black beans, or pickled red onions
- Vegetarian: Swap carne asada for grilled mushrooms or seasoned tofu
- Spicy: Mix chipotle or cayenne into the steak marinade
- Saucy: Top with salsa verde, pico de gallo, or guacamole
COOKING Note:
Skirt steak is best for carne asada due to its rich flavor and fast cooking time. Marinating is essential to tenderize and infuse flavor into the meat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side of Mexican rice or elote (Mexican street corn)
- Offer a bowl of chips and fresh guacamole
- Serve with margaritas, aguas frescas, or Mexican beer
- Make a tostada bar and let guests build their own
- Add a side of sliced cucumbers with lime and Tajín for freshness
Tips:
- Always slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Use store-bought tostadas or make your own by baking or frying corn tortillas
- Don’t overload the tostada or it may crack—balance is key
- To make ahead, prep steak and toppings in advance and assemble just before serving
- Double the marinade and save some to drizzle over the finished tostadas
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 2–8 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Tostada – approx. 1 of 8):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~520mg
- Sugar: ~2g
Values vary depending on toppings and cheese used.
❓FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
- Yes, flank steak is a great substitute. Sirloin or ribeye also work well for juicy results.
How do I keep tostadas crispy?
- Assemble them right before eating. Don’t let toppings sit too long on the shell.
Can I use a grill pan or stovetop?
- Absolutely. A cast iron skillet gives a nice sear if you don’t have a grill.
Is this gluten-free?
- Yes—if using gluten-free tostada shells and sauces, the dish is naturally gluten-free.
How long can I store leftovers?
- Keep meat and toppings in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store tostada shells separately to keep them crisp.
Conclusion:
Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada bring all the best of Mexican street food to your kitchen—crispy, bold, fresh, and satisfying. Each bite delivers juicy grilled steak, creamy beans, and crunchy veggies, making them a family favorite for weeknights or parties.
Easy to customize and quick to cook, these tostadas are perfect for building your own fiesta at home.