Even if you've never cooked a thing, you can make tostadas, because they're just layers of toppings on a crisp tortilla. The only tricky part is frying the tortillas. And you can even skip that and bake coated tortillas until they're crisp. And some companies sell the crisp shells already made, so you just heat them in the oven. Finally, you can grill tortillas over medium-high heat until they get nice grill marks and are crisp.

Then all you have to do is choose and prepare the toppings, then stand back.

You can make tostadas out of everything from cooked shrimp to leftover roast beef to vegetarian chili. Any chicken or beef filling can cook in your crockpot all day, so when you get home just assemble and eat.

The base is called a 'shell' because the tortilla will curve slightly when it's fried or baked. Just have lots of napkins on hand - they are messy (and fun) to eat!

Tostadas

• Baked Crisp Tostada Shells
  Baking the tortillas is a lower calorie way of preparing the shells and is easier (and safer) than pan frying.
• Fried Tostada Shells
  For this classic way of preparing the base of your tostada, you'll need some tongs, oil, and a heavy saucepan.
• 'Chicken' Tostadas
  This excellent recipe, which uses faux chicken nuggets, is really delicious and easy to make. It's one of my favorites.
• Vegetarian Chili Tostadas
  Any type of chili can be used in this recipe; I just happen to love this vegetarian version made with meatless TVP crumbles.

• Ground Beef Tostadas
  This is another quickly made tostada recipe, as the ground beef mixture cooks in about 30 minutes. Use your family's favorite taco toppings in this recipe.
• Fish and Slaw Tostadas
  This quick and easy four ingredient recipe is super easy and delicious. Use your favorite coleslaw recipe, if you'd like.
• Shrimp Tostadas
  Black beans and guacamole are the accompaniment to tender shrimp in this easy and elegant recipe.
• Shredded Chicken Tostadas
  Start with some canned chicken and tomato sauce, and you'll end up with a delicious and healthy tostada even the kids will love.
• Fish Tostadas with Apricot Salsa
  Now this is one elegant tostada! A unique apricot salsa tops grilled fish and vegetables, all nestled into a tostada shell.
• Egg and Cheese Tostadas
  Try this one for breakfast! It's fast and easy. If you wanted to make it even easier, use Make Ahead Scrambled Eggs for a leisurely brunch. Yum.