Know what kind of dinners I like best? Dinners where everyone makes their own dinner. HA!
Seriously though, no stirring a hot pot, chopping up a bazillion veggies, or waiting for the inevitable, Are these onions? I can’t eat onions. Is this healthy for me? I’m only eating healthy. Or my personal favorite, What IS this? ;)
Yes, quick, customizable, DIY dinners like Fiesta Tostadas are always a hit at my house!
Here’s what ya’ do: bake a bunch of corn tortillas, top them with warm refried beans and cheese, then let everyone run wild with adding the toppings of their choice – aka build their own dinners! Whatever the individual combo, the resulting tostadas are so full of flavor that they’re like a party in your mouth.
People always seem to like dishes they play a part in making a little better anyway (and they can leave out the onions…) plus meals with topping bars are always a hit. I once went to a rehearsal dinner with a MASHED POTATO BAR. Yes, that’s right. Everyone started with a big scoop of mashed regular or sweet potatoes, then the chefs mixed in everything from chopped bacon to bleu cheese crumbles on these heated marble slabs a la opposite Coldstone. It. Was. Awesome! And so are these Fiesta Tostadas!
Start by acquiring 8 corn tortillas (2 per person, if you’re feeding 4.) Use whatever brand is your fave – I usually look for an ingredient list that’s short and devoid of funky, unrecognizable ingredients.
Lay the tortillas on a foil-lined baking sheet, then lightly spray each side with non-stick spray and bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp, flipping half way through.
While the tortillas are toasting in the oven, heat up 1 cup refried beans in the microwave for 1 minute to make them easier to spread. Give it up for protein, fiber, and zero cholesterol – whee!
Spread 2 Tablespoons’ish refried beans onto each baked tortilla followed by 2 Tablespoons’ish shredded sharp cheddar cheese then pop the tostadas back into the oven for 3-4 minutes to melt the cheese. By the way, I say “ish” to all ingredient amounts in this recipe because it really depends on your tastes. Like I said, Tostadas are great for adding whatever you like, in any amount that you like!
While the cheese is melting, whip up a batch of Lazy Girl’s Guacamole to dollop and spread on top of the warm beans and cheese.
If I have time to spend on making guacamole I’ll usually add minced garlic, tomatoes, cilantro…well, here’s the full recipe, but if I’m in a pinch or time is of the essence, I’ll make it the lazy way: scoop the flesh of 2 avocados into a bowl, add garlic salt and lime juice to taste, then mash it all up with a fork.
Voila – Lazy Girl’s Guacamole! :)
Spread 1-2 Tablespoons of the guac on top of the warm beans and cheese, then add any and all the toppings your heart desires.
I went with shredded lettuce, sliced olives, and copious amounts of Tostitos Restaurant Style Salsa (which I thought the grocery store was out of when I went shopping this week, nearly resulting in a psychotic episode in the middle of HyVee’s chip aisle. Luckily (for everyone) I finally found one lone jar shoved in the back of a shelf. #dontscaremelikethat)Â
Anyway! Slice the tostadas into quarters with a pizza cutter, or attack with a fork – however you do it, just get to gettin’!
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Fiesta Tostadas
Description
Fiesta Tostadas are an easy, quick and customizable meal, on the table in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup vegetarian refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 avocados
- garlic salt
- lime
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced olives, salsa, fresh tomatoes, red onion, green onion, sour cream
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees then place tortillas on foil-lined baking sheets and spray both sides lightly with non-stick spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tortillas are crisp and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, heat refried beans in a microwave safe bowl. Spread ~2 Tablespoons beans on top of each baked tortilla then top with ~2 Tablespoons shredded cheese. Bake for 3-4 more minutes, or until cheese has melted.
- While cheese is melting, add avocado flesh into a bowl then mash with garlic salt and lime juice, to taste. Spread 1-2 Tablespoons guacamole on top of the beans and cheese, then top with optional toppings and serve.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
I HEART Fiesta Tostadas! Not only do they taste like a party, but they look like one too. So fun, colorful, and quick, too. These babies took under 20 minutes to make, start to finish.
I kept my Fiesta Tostadas vegetarian, but feel free to top with seasoned ground beef or leftover Crock Pot Chicken Tacos chicken, which would taste divine on these!
Michele 10.11.2012
We had “make your own taco salad” night last week. Meals like this are so much fun!
BTW – Tostidos used to be my favorite salsa until I tried Sabra brand, which is in the refrigerated section. I can only get it at Wal Mart though. Try it – you won’t be sorry!
Renee 10.11.2012
Avocados! YES…now I must make this!
kim@hungryhealthygirl 10.11.2012
Love these kind of meals…I don’t have to hear the kids complain that they don’t like this or that. Last night was build your own taco at my house and everyone was a happy camper! ;)
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes 10.11.2012
These look so yummy and are so colorful!
AbbieD 10.11.2012
I make these all the time…they’re actually great for counting Weight Watcher points. (I always use fat free beans.) I also mix a can of green chiles in with the beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a little extra flavor. Then I just store the extra in the fridge and I have an easy dinner for days! :)
stephanie@cookinfanatic 10.11.2012
just bought the green chile version of these tortillas and loved them! this looks delicious, as always :)
josie 10.11.2012
I have tostadas at least once a week so good and even better if you have leftover slowcooker chicker I add that as a topping too, it takes it to another level!
Shaunna@mamas13minutemile 10.11.2012
We do this cheat meal quite frequently at our house…not as fancy looking as yours but tastes yummy!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio 10.11.2012
This is a great way to use leftover corn tortillas. Thanks for putting tostadas back on the brain :)
Cher @ Weddicted 10.11.2012
These look delicious! I’d have to make my husband’s with chicken, or else I’d get the “what IS this??” – I hate that, by the way.
Love lazy girl’s guac!
Mandy 10.10.2012
You know, I actually like the lazy version of guacamole better than the fancy version! It is so much more pure and avocado-y.
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe 10.10.2012
What a great quick weeknight meal idea!
Tara 10.10.2012
Oh man, these look good! I cooked up a batch of your Crockpot Chicken Tacos the other night, and they were a huge hit. I can’t even tell you how many of your recipes I’ve tried and loved!
PS- I’ve even managed to sneak my boyfriend a few veggies in the process :)
Iowa Girl Eats 10.11.2012
So glad you liked the chicken! :)
Kate 10.10.2012
I made these a few nights ago and used your crock pot chicken . . . you know with the salsa and taco seasoning for the protein on it! Very good!
Melissa 10.10.2012
This looks delicious! Yum!
Tracy 10.10.2012
Ok, I know a persons salsa love should never be tested but I strongly recommend Cookies brand salsa. It is soooo good and I think everyone should try it! Just sayin’!
Iowa Girl Eats 10.11.2012
Hahaha it’s so true – everyone has their ONE brand that their obsessed with!
Pavement Runner 10.10.2012
You had me at avocado…
Katie @ Blonde Ambition 10.10.2012
I love tostadas! They are actually one of my favorite meals to make when I have time to go home for lunch, because they’re so quick and easy!
This may be weird, but if I don’t have refried beans on hand (which is often…my BF hates beans and refried ESPECIALLY ick him out), I sometimes spread hummus on the tortilla!
Also, La Tortilla Factory is the best. Their tortillas are all so delicious and not to mention healthy!!
Michelle (Better with Berries) 10.10.2012
These look great! I’m a big fan of “make your own dinners” too. Mexican food is great for that! My family does Mexican salads a lot of time and everyone just adds their favorite toppings.
the 3volution of j3nn 10.10.2012
We had a build-your-own Mexican feast last night, too! I think tacos are the only thing I want my husband to “prepare.” His cooking skills are nonexistent. :)