Not only will your kids flip for loaded nachos, they can help prepare them.

Kevin White/America’s Test Kitchen

Loaded nachos

Makes 8 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15 to 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon canola oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

8 ounces 90% lean ground beef

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon packed brown sugar

1/4 cup water

5 ounces tortilla chips (4 to 5 cups), divided

1/2 cup refried beans

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Monterey jack or colby jack cheese

These directions are for children:

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 400 degrees. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet on medium about 2 minutes (hot but not smoking). Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and beef; cook, stirring often with wooden spoon to break up meat into small pieces, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and sugar and cook 1 minute. Add water and cook until skillet is almost dry, 1 to 3 minutes. Turn off heat and slide skillet to a cool burner. Spread half the chips in even layer in 8-inch square baking dish. Use a spoon to dollop half of refried beans over chips. Sprinkle with half of cooked beef mixture. Sprinkle evenly with half of cheese. Repeat layering with remaining chips, beans, beef and cheese. Place dish in oven. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until cheese is melted and just beginning to brown. Use mitts to remove baking dish and place on cooling rack (ask for help). Serve with favorite toppings. (Adapted from “Kids Can Cook Anything,” Molly Birnbaum, America’s Test Kitchen.)

Per serving: 242 calories, 13 grams protein, …read more

Source:: Chicago Sun Times