Bean Tostadas

Ingredients

• oil for frying the tortillas (such as vegetable or olive oil)
• 12 corn tortillas (or tostada shells)
• 2 15-ounce can Refried Beans ( or homemade cooked pinto beans)
• 8 oz cheddar cheese (shredded) ((2 cups))
• 2 tomato (diced)
• 2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• toppings for tostadas (, such as: homemade salsa, hot sauce, chopped fresh cilantro, or other favorite toppings)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- If frying your own tortillas ---

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a small skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until very hot. A small bit of tortilla will sizzle when the oil is ready.

3. 3

   Fry the tortillas until stiff. Place the tortillas on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until brown and crunchy, 5 to 7 minutes.

4. 4

   --- If using tostada shells ---

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to package directions. Lay the tostada shells out on a baking sheet.

6. 6

   Warm the shells in the oven, according to package instructions.

7. 7

   --- Once you have the shells ready, ---

8. 8

   Warm the refried beans in a saucepan until bubbly.

9. 9

   Spread the beans over the crisp tortilla shells. Top with the cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and other toppings.