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.
ingredients
Quesadillas
Toppings
directions
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.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF. 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.
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.
Transfer the quesadillas to individual plates and serve with toppings.