The project that I am working on in our home right now is a construction one, which means spackling, painting, measuring, cutting and building. Since that whole process takes a while, I don’t yet have a project post completed to share with you. But I do have a time-tested, teen-approved recipe for nachos. As far as providing the food stuffs of a teenage boy’s dreams, Zachary’s mom has got it going on.

You will need:

• A large bag of tortilla chips. I use the Santito’s “two dollar only” chips. Love that label!
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet Old El Paso original taco seasoning
• 1 can original Old El Paso refried beans
• 1 jar salsa. It doesn’t matter what size or brand. Use more or less according to your taste and how far you want to stretch the topping
• grated/shredded cheese of your choice. Sometimes I use a mexican blend, sometimes sharp cheddar, depending on my mood and what’s on hand

To make:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Line large cookie sheet or two medium  sheets with foil. Spread chips over sheet(s) and set aside.
• Brown ground beef in a large skillet, breaking up meat well.
• Add taco seasoning mix and 2/3 c water. Blend well and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes
• Add full can of refried beans and mix it in quickly so they don’t realize that you’re preparing to feed them protein.
• Add salsa to reach desired consistency. I usually use a full bottle.
• Spoon mixture evenly over chips. Keep the layer fairly light and even to avoid making chips soggy.
• Cover with grated/shredded cheese
• Bake at 350 degrees util cheese is melted and bubbly and edges of chips are starting to brown.

Aaaand the final result:

This is a really simple combination of ingredients that packs some big Mom points. Zachary’s friends love these nachos. Even if you think you don’t like refried beans, I hope you’ll try mixing them in. I really think they’re the “secret ingredient” that the kids don’t know they love.

Thanks for stopping by HLM. Feel free to browse- there are some other easy family-friendly recipes and some craft projects guaranteed to fit into your limited free time. If you like what you see, please help me get my blog off the ground by following the blog via RSS, email, or Linky Followers. I’m glad you came. Hope to see you again!

I shared this recipe with Fingerprints on the Fridge’s Friday link party.