Family Style Mexican Beef Tostadas

Directions

1. 1
   In a Dutch Oven* over medium high heat, add peanut oil and let warm up. Brown meat in 3 batches. Put all the meat back in and add in the red onion, garlic, enchilada sauce, tomato juice, chopped green chiles, green salsa verde, salt and chili powder. Stir all together and lower heat to low. Cover and simmer for 4 hours. Stir occasionally.A half hour before dinnertime, in a 350F oven, place the refried beans in a casserole dish and heat for 20 minutes.
2. 2
   Add the jack cheese on top and continue to bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Take out of oven and add the green onions on top with a dash of Tabasco, if desired.Make the salad ahead in a large bowl and refrigerate undressed until ready to use.
3. 3
   Combine the lettuce, tomato, green onions, black olives, salt and pepper.
4. 4
   Add the Italian dressing when you are ready to eat and toss well.Either warm the tortillas in the 350F oven for 8 minutes, microwave them or pan fry with a little oil in a skillet, browning both sides.To assemble, spread the tortilla with a little refried beans, a handful of cheddar cheese, a heaping spoonful of meat, a scoop of salad, some avocado pieces, taco sauce and a dollop of sour cream.