This self-serve meal lets kids load up open-face quesadillas with their choice of toppings. for little kids: Let them assemble the quesadillas before baking. for big kids: Let them add the seasonings to the beef and help cut up the vegetables for the toppings.
Directions for: Kids Can Make: A Quesadilla Bar
Ingredients
Quesadillas2 Tbsp olive oil
lb(s) lean ground beef
1 tsp ground cumin
tsp chili powder
tsp granulated garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 (10-oz) bag frozen brown rice or 1 1/4 cups cooked and cooled brown rice
Cooking spray
4 (8-inch) whole-wheat flour tortillas
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
Toppingscup grape tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
Shredded romaine lettuce
cup nonfat Greek yogurt
Lime wedges
Directions
Quesadillas1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook 3 minutes. Stir in the ketchup and cook, stirring regularly, until the beef is browned and completely cooked through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rice and 1/4 cup water and cook until the rice is heated through, about 3 minutes.
2. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Lay the tortillas on the sheet. Divide the beef mixture among the tortillas and top evenly with the mozzarella. Bake until the mozzarella is melted and the tortilla is beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
Toppings1. Transfer the quesadillas to individual plates and serve with toppings.
Tips and Substitutions
Note to parents: Never leave a child unattended in the kitchen. these recipes are appropriate for children of various ages, 4 to 10. when a recipe calls for cooking on the stove or using a paring knife, an adult should do those activities and let the child assist, if age appropriate.
Source and Credits
Copyright 2014 Television Food Network, G.P. all rights reserved.
Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
See more: Bake, Beef, Cheese, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Main, Mexican, Rice/Grain, Tomatoes, Vegetables