Nacho Bowls are a healthy dinner idea that’s also a fun family recipe to make – and even more fun to eat! Packed with beans, veggies, cheese, and salsa this is a dinner everyone can individualize to their liking. Gluten-free.
If you have young chefs ready to tackle their next dinner meal, this is it! Their creativity can shine as they prep each ingredient and assemble the bowls. Plus, they get practice learning how to read a recipe card (a free printable one is below)!
For more fun dinner ideas for kids, check out Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Ground Turkey (Air Fryer), Mug Pizza and Homemade Uncrustables that they can make any day of the week.

Bean Nacho Bowls
Did you know beans are the most concentrated source of plant-based protein in the world? Between 6 – 11% of a cooked bean’s weight is protein!
We love incorporating beans into meals for many reasons. Beans are naturally low in fat, have no cholesterol, and provide more fiber than most whole-grain foods. They are also inexpensive – my pantry always has a large variety of beans on its shelves.
Try offering refried beans along with whole beans. Kids who might not try a whole bean tend to eat them mashed or puree. This is why the combo of black beans and refried beans in this nacho bowl recipe is a huge hit.
For more kid-approved bean recipes, you’ll have to check out Ground Beef and Bean Burrito, Crockpot Baked Beans, Best Refried Beans Recipe and Seven Layer Bean Dip.
But for now, let’s get started on these nacho bowls by gathering the equipment and ingredients. Enjoy!
Equipment
- 3 microwave-safe bowls
- Serving bowls
- can opener
- spoons
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained ✅
- 15 ounce can refried beans ✅
- 1 cup frozen corn nuggets
- 1/2 cup salsa ✅
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese ✅
- 1 medium lime, sliced
- 1/3 cup cilantro
- 1 bag tortilla chips ✅
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make Nacho Bowls
Nacho bowls are easily created in just 10 minutes with these simple steps.
Heat the beans and corn
Heat the black beans, refried beans, and corn in microwave-safe bowls.
Layer the ingredients
To make the nacho bowls, add the refried beans and black beans. Place the tortilla chips next to the beans. Layer with corn, salsa, cheese avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with pico de gallo, salsa, or guacamole.
Mix It Up: Add a layer of your favorite grain (rice, Mexican rice, or quinoa) to the bottom of the bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
While these bowls were created with just beans, shredded beef, chicken or pork make a great addition. Add an extra layer of protein with any of these meat options.
Keep the layers building by adding any of these tasty ingredients: jalapeno peppers, green chilis, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, shredded meat, pineapple chunks or diced mango.
This recipe will create up to 4 nacho bowls. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities as needed.
Check out more simple Dinner Recipes:
- Ground Beef and Bean Burrito
- Crunch Wrap Supreme Recipe
- Cowboy Breakfast Skillet
- Kid-Friendly Tater Tot Casserole
- Cast Iron Nachos
- Salmon Patties in Air Fryer
- Gluten Free Crab Cakes
- Grandmas Chicken Casserole
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
If you enjoyed these recipes make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below!
Then follow us on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. We love seeing what you come up with!
Nacho Bowls
Equipment
- 3 microwave-safe bowls
- Serving bowls
- can opener
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained ✅
- 15 ounce can refried beans ✅
- 1 cup frozen corn nuggets
- 1/2 cup salsa ✅
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese ✅
- 1 medium lime, sliced
- 1/3 cup cilantro
- 1 bag tortilla chips ✅
Instructions
- ⭐️Heat the beans and corn. Heat the black beans, refried beans, and corn in microwave-safe bowls.15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained, 15 ounce can refried beans, 1 cup frozen corn nuggets
- Layer the ingredients. To make the nacho bowls, add the refried beans and black beans. Place the tortilla chips next to the beans. Layer with corn, salsa, cheese avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained, 15 ounce can refried beans, 1 cup frozen corn nuggets, 1/2 cup salsa, 1 medium avocado, sliced, 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese, 1 medium lime, sliced, 1 bag tortilla chips, 1/3 cup cilantro
abbey sharp says
This looks absolutely amazing!! and great photos!! So pretty, love the colours
Create Kids Club says
Thank you so much, Abbey. It was a fun one to shoot with all those bright colors 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL bowl of health!!!!
Create Kids Club says
I love it – a bowl of health! You are so spot on Gigi!! 🙂
Christina Bauer says
I have always loved beans, but even more so as a vegetarian! They are just so versatile, healthy and tasty. These bowls look crazy delicious!
Create Kids Club says
You are so right, Christina! Thank you 🙂
Kimberly says
I love the look of this! Beans are so healthy and filling. I never feel like i am missing out.
Create Kids Club says
They really are, Kimberly!
Carmy says
Looks SO yummy! I’m always up for a nacho bowl!
Create Kids Club says
Me too, Carmy!
Zestful Kitchen says
Yum, these look so good, can’t wait to give them a try!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks so much and I hope you do!
Jessica @Nutritioulicious says
Looks gorgeous Jodi! Love the kid-friendly tips you shared here too!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Jessica! While I only serve one meal, I find small accommodations help in many cases – i.e.: tortilla over nacho chips 😉
Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
Love any meal that’s so vibrant and colorful. These bowls look fabulous!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks so much! I loved how the colors turned out too – pretty and tasty! 🙂
Amy says
Looks so good!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Amy!
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
This looks wonderful! So many colors!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Kristina! With so many color choices kids have to eat their veggies in this meal;)
Katie Cavuto says
Yummy!! Great Meatless meal idea — I love DIY bowls of all kinds!!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you, Katie! I love them as well – so versatile!
Ann @ MyMenuPal says
What a creative idea and this way everyone can customize their own.
Create Kids Club says
Creativity was needed to please BOTH kiddos 🙂
thehealthfulideas says
These look so delicious! I have to make these soon, I absolutely love beans<3
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Healthful Ideas! I highly recommend trying them out —> super yummy!
Minna @kiddieliciouskitchen says
What a delicious looking bowl!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you Minna!
Tara says
The whole family loves this dinner! Thanks for the idea!