Bean Tostadas

This is one of my favorite meals that I have been making for years. It's simple to make and tastes fantastic. My kids call them Mexican pizza and absolutely love them. You can use shredded chicken, beef or pork. You could also use steak or black beans, it just depends on your mood and what's in your refrigerator. I had some avocados that were ripe so I whipped up a batch of guacamole to top these tasty tostadas. I grabbed some refried beans and whatever toppings I could find then made dinner in a snap. This is so quick and easy - perfect for those nights you don't feel like cooking.

• Corn tortillas
• Refried beans (I used non fat vegetarian)
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onions, sliced
• Lettuce, chopped
• Sour cream (I used non fat)
• Guacamole
• Sliced black olives
• Cilantro, chopped
• Cotija cheese for garnish
• Lime wedges, optional
• Hot sauce or salsa

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray the corn tortillas with olive oil cooking spray on both sides; place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. While the tortillas are baking, heat the refried beans in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Chop all the ingredients and make the guacamole. Layer the tortilla with beans, sharp cheddar, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, black olives, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro and cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce or salsa. Enjoy.

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