GROUND BEEF SOPES

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the masa shells. Cover and set aside. Then, in a medium nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and cook the onion, stirring, until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up lumps into small bits, until the meat is browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the salsa and cilantro. Set aside off heat. 2. In another skillet, pour oil to a depth of about 1 inch and cook over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Fry the masa shells, 3 or 4 at a time, turning once until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels. 3. Spread 1 teaspoon of warm refried beans on each shell. Add 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture and top with a bit of shredded lettuce. Add a dollop of sour cream. Serve at once. From "1,000 Mexican Recipes." Copyright 2001 by Marge Poore. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.