Corn Tortillas. You'll need corn tortillas. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush each tortilla lightly with olive oil on one side.
Cook Tortillas. Place the tortillas, oiled side down, on the skillet. Cook until they become crisp and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and let them cool.
Cook Ground Meat. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season the meat with your preferred spices, such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, for an authentic Mexican flavor.
Warm Refried Beans. In a separate saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat until warm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare Toppings. Dice the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Shred the lettuce and cheese. Have your salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole ready for an extra kick.
Assemble Tostadas. Take a tostada shell and spread a generous layer of warm refried beans evenly on it. Add a portion of the cooked ground meat on top of the beans. Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions over the meat.
Add Toppings. Drizzle sour cream over the veggies and meat. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Garnish and Serve. Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. If you like it spicy, add salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole. Repeat the process with the remaining tostada shells.