Bean and Taco Meat Loaded Tostadas

This is a quick weeknight meal that I know everybody, including your kids, will love!  These tostadas can be topped with your favorites.  We like to set out all the toppings and make our own.  The taco meat is very flavorful, using a homemade taco seasoning and simmering until nice and thick.  I use fat free refried beans and bake the corn tortillas until nice and crispy.  Serve with some Mexican or Spanish Rice.

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef (93/7)
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cold water
1 T corn starch

Taco Seasoning:
1 T chili powder
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
pinch red pepper flakes

Corn tortillas
Cooking spray
1 can fat free refried beans

Toppings of choice:

Shredded lettuce
Shredded cheese
Tomatoes
Sour cream
Hot sauce/picante sauce
Guacamole/diced avocados
Pickled jalapenos

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place corn tortillas on a non-stick baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with kosher salt.  Bake for 8 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and crispy.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown ground beef until cooked through.  Add the onions and cook until tender.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.  Add the taco seasoning ingredients, and cook for another minute while stirring..

In a glass measuring cup, stir together 1 cup cold water with 1 T corn starch.  Add to the skillet and stir well.  Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.  Sauce will be nice and thick.

Meanwhile, heat the refried beans and prepare toppings.

Assemble your tostadas, layering refried beans, taco meat, then your favorite toppings.  
Enjoy