airbnb tostadas with fresh aguacate salsa

If you’ve ever rented an Airbnb or VRBO, you know that your cookware options are limited. They always say the kitchen is stocked, but spoiler alert, it’s not.

We spent the weekend in Houston for my daughter’s dance competition. We tend to choose rentals over hotels to have the ability to cook at least a couple times. If you’re used to eating at home, you can only treat yourself at restaurants for so many meals in a row before the self-loathing sits in.

I set out to cook a decent dinner for the family with limited tools, using lots of fresh ingredients while minimizing our waste - a true challenge. I spent $35 at HEB on ingredients, which would’ve easily been $150+ if I handed these girls a menu at your local hotspot.

I opened a can of beans with a pair of scissors (not recommended) and smashed the beans with a glass mug (also not recommended), but we got it done. What can I say? I’m resourceful.

I typed this on my phone. Give me grace please.

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Shopping List

1lb ground sirloin

2 avocados

4 tomatillos

3 limes

2 roma tomatoes

1 head of iceberg lettuce

1 jalapeño

1 garlic bulb

1 white onion

1 bunch cilantro

1 can black beans

1 package of queso fresco

1 bottle Mexican crema

1 package baked tostadas

Cumin

Chili powder

1 package Knorr chicken bouillon cubes

Olive oil (my rental had this)

Salt + pepper (this too!)

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Things to Know

Serves: 4-6

Takes: 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Make the salsa

   1. Add 4 tomatillos, ½ a jalapeño, 1 avocado, ½ a cube of Knorr, a small handful of cilantro, a garlic clove, pinch of salt, and the juice of 1 lime to a blender. Blend until it’s smooth. Thin with water to reach desired consistency.

   2. Taste and adjust with more salt and lime if needed.

   3. Set aside and dip tostadas in it as a snack while you prep the rest of the meal.

2. Prep the beans

   1. Heat a skillet over low-medium heat. Once warm, add a tablespoon of olive oil.

   2. Add ¼ diced onion and 1 garlic clove (minced).

   3. Drain and rinse beans. Once the aromatics are softened, add beans to pan and sauté briefly.

   4. Once beans are warmed through, smash them up using whatever tool you have handy.

   5. Thin to desired consistency with water, add a squeeze of lime, some chili powder, cumin, and a small handful of cilantro. Mix and cover to keep warm.

3. Cook ground beef

   1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a tbsp-ish of olive oil. Add ½ of an onion (diced) and the remaining ½ of the jalapeño (minced). Sauté for a few minutes.

   2. Add ground beef and a heavy pour of chili powder and cumin, along with another Knorr cube, salt, and pepper.

   3. Once mostly cooked through, add a ½ cup of water and simmer.

4. Assembly

   1. Pay close attention here.

   2. On your tostadas - layer beans, ground beef, salsa, sliced avocado, lettuce, queso fresco, crema, and chopped cilantro. This should easily make 12 of them.

These are incredibly simple for how flavorful they are. I think you should make them, and I think you should send me photos!