Easy Giant Nachos

I don't know that you can call this a "recipe", but more of an "idea" when you need a quick and easy lunch or dinner that you can make with mostly stuff you already have sitting in your pantry or refrigerator.   It's especially great for kids or teenagers...or just two adults who like to eat like kids or teenagers :)   We love to make these for dinner while watching Aggie football on TV!  I usually have most of the ingredients on hand, and it's a great way to use up leftover refried beans, chicken, or steak (that's usually what prompts me to throw this into the dinner rotation!).

Easy Giant Nachos

Yield: it depends how many you make :) I usually make 2 or 3 per person
Cook Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients (quantities are variable based on how many you're making):

1 package tostada shells*
1 can refried beans (I use fat-free)
1 package grated cheddar cheese

Mix-and-match ingredients (based on what you prefer, or happen to have on hand):
1 jar diced jalapeno peppers
Grilled chicken breast or steak, chopped
Avocado, diced
Sour cream
Shredded iceburg lettuce
Tomato, diced
Salsa

*These come in 2 types of package in the grocery store - they're in the aisle with the taco shells and other Mexican ingredients.  I like the kind in the bag, when I can find it - I think they taste fresher.  Here's what to look for:

 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Arrange the tostada shells on the cookie sheet so that they're not touching or overlapping.  Use a knife or angled spatula to spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell (this is the "glue" for the rest of the ingredients).  Top each nacho with chopped chicken/steak and diced jalapenos (if using).  Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the nachos (putting the cheese as the top layer helps to secure the toppings to the nacho!)

Bake in the oven for 8 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Remove the pan from the oven and top the nachos with whatever cold ingredients you've chosen - tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, etc.  Serve while warm.  Enjoy!