Who knew Tex-Mex could be healthy and low-fat? Last week, we made Tostadas, and they were delicious! It’s also easy.

Lean ground beef, browned with a packet of taco seasoning

Re-fried Pinto Beans, warmed

chopped lettuce

chopped tomatoes
2% Mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Old El Paso Tostadas

I prefer to use the Goya Ranchero Refried Beans because they are lower in fat than most brands. The Ranchero sauce in the beans makes them taste great!

I also buy Kroger brand ground beef that is 93% lean. Sometime I use Laura’s Lean Beef (96% lean), but it is expensive.

Any type of lettuce and tomatoes (hothouse, vine ripened, etc.) will do. I’m sure any brand of tostadas will do as well, but I always get the Old El Paso because they taste fresher, and I know the calorie and fat content of them. To keep this lowfat, I choose Kraft 2% mild cheddar and go easy on the cheese.

I put some beans on the bottom (about 2 tablespoons), a little meat (about 2 oz.), lettuce, tomato, and 1 1/2 Tablespoons of cheese. It doesn’t look very pretty, but it sure tasted good!

You’re getting some carbs (for energy), beans and meat (for protein), lettuce (soluble fiber), tomatoes (for a serving of fruit), and cheese (dairy). Balanced and healthy! Serve with a side of Spanish rice for a filling meal!

1 and 1/2 tostadas = 360 calories, 35 carbs, 12 grams of fat, and 32 protein.