Sizzling Beef Tostada Towers

 

Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor, or leaner if preferred)
– 8 small corn tortillas (about 6-inch diameter)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade, mild or spicy)
– 2 tbsp avocado
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush both sides of each corn tortilla lightly with 1 tbsp vegetable oil using a pastry brush.
3. Place the tortillas in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
4. While the tortillas bake, heat the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
6. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, cooking for 1 more minute to toast the spices.
7. Remove the crispy tortillas from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
8. To assemble, place one tortilla on a plate, top with 1/4 of the seasoned beef, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp cheddar cheese.
9. Add a second tortilla on top and repeat the layers: beef, cheese, then a third tortilla.
10. Finish the tower by topping the third tortilla with shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and a spoonful of salsa.
11. Repeat steps 8-10 to build three more towers with the remaining ingredients.
Grab a fork and dig into these towers for a satisfying crunch that gives way to warmly spiced beef and cool, creamy toppings. For a fun twist, set out extra toppings like diced avocado or pickled jalapeños and let everyone build their own custom creation right at the table.