With dance practice, basketball, the science project that's due tomorrow and tae kwon do, who has time to concoct easy meals for the kids in the evening? You do! You will have time if you focus on easy kids meals.
Sure it's a no-brainer to throw a hotdog in the microwave or set a tortilla in a pan on top of the stove, sprinkle on some cheddar cheese and ninety seconds later have a plain quesadilla, but what's the joy in that? There are other easy kids meals that are a bit more interesting. Try experimenting with Casseroles or one-pot meals which in most cases go over well with the kids; and are easy to put together.
Try this easy kids 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 in a three-quart glass baking dish and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Mix & turn part way through cooking time. Drain Beef. Mix in sauce, water and macaroni. Microwave another 12 minutes, stirring part way through. Crumble mozzarella on top and allow to sit covered about 5 minutes before eating. Creates an easy kids meal that serves a couple hungry kids.
There are numerous easy kids meals you can cook with ground beef. Any recipe that calls for ground beef will work just fine replaced with ground turkey, chicken or venison instead. The simple recipe below uses ground meat. It takes close to an hour to cook but merely a moment to prepare.
Mix together:
2 pounds ground meat
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
One bag of Crinkle Cut French Fries
Brown hamburger and strain the grease. Add both soups to drained hamburger and place in a 9 x 12 greased baking dish. Top off with cut French fries and cook at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until fries are light brown.
Taco salads are very fast and simple to make. Start with lettuce. Add tomato, onion and cheese (if your kids will allow it.) Prepare some hamburger and add in an envelope of taco seasoning – or just include some taco sauce to the meat. Next add crumbled tortilla chips or Fritos. Top off with salsa or Catalina salad dressing. Remember the sour cream and guacamole too! Everyone will love this easy kids meal!
For a simple, on the go, nutritious, cold meal you'll need:
Large lettuce leaves (not bagged lettuce)
Turkey or roast beef deli meat
Cheese slices
Condiments
Step 1: Peel off a large lettuce leaf.
Step 2: Assemble meat, cheese, and condiments.
Step 3: Roll up and stab a toothpick in the middle.
Step 4: Eat.
Step 5: Wipe your mouth, there is a bit of mayo. on your cheek.
What about an interesting twist on the famous mac 'n cheese easy kids meal?
1 (16 ounce) package macaroni (elbow, seashell, bowtie – doesn't matter, just not spaghetti)
1 c. cottage cheese
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1. Prepare macaroni according to package instructions.
2. Mix sugar, cottage cheese, and cinnamon with drained macaroni.
3. Nibble and add sugar/cinnamon, if desired.
4. Serve immediately. Delicious!
Drum up a bit of creativity to create a spin on a tried and true meal and even with the crazy evening activities you'll have time to cook a nourishing easy kids meal for your family.
For more meal ideas, visit Dine Without Whine - Helping Families Re-Discover the Pleasure of the Dinner Hour |
