Written By:  Kaiti George

**Editor’s note from Leslie. When Kaiti sent me this recipe idea I KNEW I  had to give it a shot with my family. Plus it’s an easy way to get your kids in the kitchen with you. Um, they LOVED it. Kyle even gave it a “slow clap” you know – like in all the sports movies, etc. He was impressed. I think you will be too!

Last month, I had a few readers ask me for specific ‘kid friendly’ beef recipes. You asked and I will provide! Kid friendly recipes are especially top-of-mind now that kids are home for the summertime. Having your kids help prepare meals is a win-win for both parents and children. There are many good reasons for involving kids in food preparation:

• quality time spent with kids and their parents
• the opportunity for kids to learn about and develop an appreciation for cooking
• kids are more likely to eat new foods that they’ve helped prepare

Most children learn quickly that eating is fun and enjoyable. They also enjoy helping adults cook. When you put the two together you have the perfect recipe for learning.

Children learn best when they have hands on activities and interested in what they are doing. When children are busy scrubbing, mixing, stirring, kneading, spreading, tossing, squeezing and pouring, they don’t realize there’s a special ingredient that you’re adding:

It’s called learning!

I specifically inherited my love of cooking from my mother, who had a home cooked meal on the table every night at 5:30 pm. I often times helped prepare that meal. It was expected that all family members be there for dinner. At the time, I did not appreciate having to leave the fun and games happening in my neighborhood to go help make and eat dinner. Now, it’s one of my most cherished childhood memories.

Start making memories in the kitchen with your kids…they will be sure to remember and appreciate it!

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Taco Cups

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound 95% lean ground beef
2. ½ cup chopped onion
3. 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4. 1 package (17.3 ounces) refrigerated grand corn or buttermilk biscuit dough
5. ½ cup taco sauce
6. ½ cup canned sloppy joe sauce
7. ¾ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Toppings:

1. 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced lettuce
2. ½ cup chopped tomato
3. ¼ cup shredded Mexican four-cheese blend
4. ½ cup dairy sour cream
5. ¼ cup ripe olives

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic in large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is not pink, breaking up beef into small crumbles. Pour off drippings, if necessary.
2. Separate biscuits and press each into a 3-1/2-inch circle. Place over the underside of muffin cups from a standard-size muffin pan, pressing around cup to shape into bowl. Bake in 350°F oven 12 to 15 minutes or until browned. Remove baked cups to platter.
3. Meanwhile combine taco sauce with ground beef and sloppy joe sauce in medium saucepan; cook over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes or until hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese.
4. Spoon beef mixture evenly into cups. Top evenly with lettuce, tomato and 1/4 cup cheese. Top with sour cream and olives

Makes 8 taco cup servings.