With homework, basketball, the science project that's due tomorrow and tae kwon do, who has time to prepare an appetizing meal for the kids in the evening? You do! You will have time if you prepare an easy to cook kids' meal.
Sure it's easy to toss a hotdog in the microwave or place a tortilla in a skillet on top of the stove top, sprinkle on some cheese and ninety seconds later have a simple quesadilla, but what's the thrill in that? Casseroles or one-pot meals usually go over well with the kids; and are quick to whip together.
Try this simple meal:
1 lb. ground beef
1 - 16 oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 - cup water
1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 - cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sprinkle beef into a 3-qrt glass bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Stir and turn halfway through cooking time. Drain Beef. Stir in sauce, water and macaroni. Microwave another 13 minutes, stirring halfway through. Sprinkle cheese on top and allow to stand covered approximately 5 minutes before serving. Serves 2-3 famished kids.
There are numerous meals you can make with ground beef. Any recipe that asks for ground beef will work just fine substituted with ground turkey, chicken or venison instead. The quick and easy recipe below uses ground meat. It takes nearly an hour to bake but merely a moment to prepare.
Mix together:
2 pounds ground meat
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 can condensed mushroom soup
One bag of Crinkle Cut French Fries
Brown hamburger and drain the grease. Add both soups to drained hamburger and spoon into a 9 x 12 greased baking dish. Top with frozen crinkle cut French fries and bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until French fries are golden brown.
Taco salads are very quick and easy to prepare. Start with lettuce. Add onion, tomato and cheese (if your kids will tolerate it.) Fry up some meat and toss in a packet of taco seasoning or just incorporate some taco sauce to the meat. Then add crushed tortilla chips or Fritos. Top off with salsa or Catalina salad dressing. Remember the sour cream and guacamole if desired! Kids love this meal!
For a fast, grab-it-and-go, healthy, cold meal try:
A head of lettuce (not pre-cut lettuce in a bag)
Ham or Roast Beef deli meat
Cheese slices
Condiments
Step 1: Peel off a medium lettuce leaf.
Step 2: Layer meat, cheese, and condiments.
Step 3: Fold up and stab a toothpick in the center.
Step 4: Eat. S
tep 5: Wipe your mouth, there is a bit of mustard on your cheek.
How about a interesting twist to the normal macaroni and cheesekids recipe?
1 (16 ounce) box macaroni (elbow, seashell, bowtie doesn't matter, just not spaghetti)
1 c. cottage cheese
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
2. Mix sugar, cottage cheese,and cinnamon with drained macaroni.
3. Nibble and add more sugar and cinnamon, if necessary.
4. Serve right away. Yum!
Use a bit of creativity to put a spin on a tried and true recipe and even with the chaotic evening activities you'll have time to cook a unique meal for the kids evening meal.
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