Mexican Pizza Recipe

When I was in the states I was taken to a Mexican restaurant and my friend ordered this amazing pizza using tortillas. I loved it so much that I wished I had the recipe for it. On telling another friend over there about it, she promptly got out this recipe she had made many times and said that most people had a similar one to hers. Bobby made it up for me and I have to admit that it was just as good, if not better than the one I had tasted at the restaurant.
Once you try this I am sure that the whole family will love it. It takes a little time to make them up but well worth the effort. Just get the family members to help making them.

INGREDIENTS:

500g mince steak (ground beef)
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons water
8 flour tortillas
1 cup of either vegetable shortening or peanut oil
1 can refried beans (optional)
2/3 cup mild salsa
1 cup grated cheese
1 cup tasty cheese - grated (if in the USA use Monterey Jack)
1 ripe diced tomato
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/4 cup green onion - chopped

METHOD:

Brown mince steak in a large pan over medium heat in a small dash of oil to stop from sticking. Drain off any excess fat or oil from pan.
Add salt, dried onions, paprika, pepper, chili powder and water and let the mixture just simmer over a medium heat for about 10 minutes. stirring often.
Heat shortening or oil in a separate pan over a medium to high heat. Don't let the oil smoke or it will be too hot. Fry each tortilla for about 40 seconds on each side or until a nice goldne brown and then remove and drain on paper towels.
If using the refried beans, heat them in a small saucepan on top of the stove.
Preheat your oven to 190C or 200F.
To make up the pizzas, spread 1/3 of the refried beans on top of one tortilla. Spread 1/4 of the meat over this and then another tortilla. Place 2 tablespoons of salsa on top of tortilla, then spread tomatoes on top of this. Divide the cheese, onions and olives and spread them over the top.
Place the pizzas in the oven and cook for about 10 minutes so the cheese is melted.