Yup, I said it… I love my nachos. I thought I would be nacho-less when we started our new years resolution to get fit! But on the contrary, I have found a way! The first step to healthy nachos is, make every part of the nacho concoction; homemade as much as possible. I don’t mean beans from a can, cheese from a jar and guacamole from a bag. With just a little bit of time and a pinch of effort you too can make homemade nachos greatness.

So let’s begin with the refried beans.

What you need:

2 1/2 cups of DRY pinto beans (I used Safeway brand)

3 quarts of water (yup just water)

1/2 cup of chopped onion

2 Tbsp O-Organic olive oil

Salt to taste

How to make it:

Step 1: Rinse the beans in water to remove any dirt or bad beans. I just threw them in a big bowl and ran water over them from my tap.

Step 2: Put beans into a pot and cover with the 3 quarts of water.

Step 3: Bring to a boil on high heat.

Step 4: Lower heat to a low-medium or at a simmer for about 1 1/2 – 2 hours.

* (The beans are done when the beans are soft and the skin is just beginning to beak.)

Step 5: Dump the bean water into a big bowl.

Step 6: Put beans back in the pot and add onions and oil.

Step 7: Let cook on low heat until onions are translucent.

Step 8: Mash the beans with any tool found fit. (I had to use the bottom of a glass measuring cup but a potato masher is suppose to be glorious).

Step 9: Add about a half a cup to a full cup of the bean boil water.

Step 10: Let cook down to desired thickness and add salt to taste.

Recommendations: Use O-Organic beef broth instead of water. Also, if eating just the beans, I like mixing some shredded low fat cheese.

Now for the guacamole!

What you need:

1 Large avocado (skin off and diced chunky)

3 slices (diced) of a fresh medium size tomatoes

3 little green onions (diced)

1/4 cup cilantro (diced but optional)

Salt to taste

How to make it:

Step 1: Combine all ingredients into a bowl.

Step 2: Stir and mash with a fork to desired chunkiness.

I usually will make this first and stick it in the frig so it is cold when the meal is ready; but that is just me!

And now the meat!

Basically cook your desired ground meat in a small pot. Drain the grease and season with a Mexican seasoning. I used McCormick Hot Taco Seasoning packet (one packet per pound of meat).

Finally! The Nachos…

Step 1: Start with preheating the oven to 300º F.

Step 2: Layer a serving of white corn restaurant style chips on a plate. I used Safeway Snack Artisan chips and the serving amount was 10 chips. Not too bad!

Step 3: Add a serving of shredded non-fat cheese and put the plate in the over; until the cheese has almost melted.

Step 4: Add a small spoonful or 1/2 cup of beans on the chips.

Step 5: Put a small spoonful or 3 oz of the Mexican flavored meat on the beans.

Step 6: Add half of the guacamole mix on top of the meat.

Step 7: Top it off with a portion of fat free sour cream.

Step 8: Eat and Enjoy… Deliciousness! 😀 The biggest thing I have learned about dieting is portion control and accurate measurements of the portions.

Kicking some get healthy butt!

-Girl in Pigtails