Beef Tostadas

I love, love, love it when I can use food twice AND it really works!  Of course, this doesn't happen often but you know what I mean.  Sometimes, leftovers just don't work or you try to use something you've got in the fridge for a "round 2 meal" and your whole family goes...."really? No, it's okay, it's just not like what you usually fix."  There's not a home cook out there that hasn't tried to stretch a dollar, make something yummy that the family will like and feel good about both.  Well...that happened last night!  Last weekend we had a great meal with the centerpiece being a beef roast.  There was a bit left over so I had to get creative.  After a little research and pantry shopping, I came up with Beef Tostadas.  The meal turned out great, the boys had seconds and Hunter deemed it "Blog Worthy"....hmmm, more about that comment later.  Anyway, here's what I did -

• Shred leftover beef into small pieces using 2 forks and place in a large skillet or heavy pan. (I used about 5 cups of beef)
• Add 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of water. Mix well.

• Sprinkle in a packet of taco seasoning (I use Wick Fowler's - All Natural)
• Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon cumin.
• Juice of 1/2 lemon - just squeeze it into the pot - this make a HUGE DIFFERENCE in the taste - don't skip this.
• Drain and rinse 1 can of beans - use either pinto or black beans.
• Gently mash beans with the back of a fork until about 1/3 of amount are in small pieces.
• Add to the meat mixture and fold together.  Simmer on low heat for 15 - 20 minutes.

To Assemble - heat corn or flour tortillas on grill.  When toasted, place a heaping spoonful of meat mixture on the tortilla and top with shredded cheese.  When cheese is melted, remove and top with all of your favorite extras!!

~Extras might include...more cheese, chopped lettuce, red onion, sour cream, fresh salsa, jalapenos, guacamole, hot sauce.  YUM, YUM, YUM....this is RECYCLING at it's best!!