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Nacho Bowls

By: Jodi  /  Published on March 7, 2017 Updated on December 11, 2024   /  29 Comments

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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.

gluten free nacho bowl

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!

ingredients for nacho bowl on sheet pan

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.

side view of nacho bowl

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.

chip scooping ingredients in nacho bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make beef nacho bowls?

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.

What other ingredients can you layer on top?

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.

How many servings does a single recipe create?

This recipe will create up to 4 nacho bowls. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities as needed.

close up view of nacho bowl

Check out more simple Dinner Recipes:

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! 

side view of nacho bowl
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Nacho Bowls

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.
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4

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 ✅ 

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

Notes

Add more variety by adding ground pork, beef, or shredded chicken. Leftovers work great!
You could also 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. 
 
CCK 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. 

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 915mg | Potassium: 825mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 616IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 4mg

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. 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!

    Reply

    • 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 😉

      Reply
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Jodi from Create Kids Activities

Welcome! I’m Jodi Danen.

Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club – an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas.

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