Recipes - Mom, What'S For Dinner? - Simple Kids Meals

With homework, choir, the science project that's due tomorrow and tae kwon do, who has time to concoct a nourishing meal for the kids after school? You do! You will have time if you prepare a quick to cook kids' meal.

Sure it's effortless to toss a hotdog in the microwave or place a tortilla in a skillet on top of the range, add some cheese and 90 seconds later have a simple quesadilla, but what's the thrill in that? Casseroles or one-pot meals in most cases go over well with the kids; and are easy to whip together.

Taste this simple kids recipe:

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

Place beef into a 3-qrt glass baking dish and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Mix and turn part way through cooking time. Drain Beef. Stir in sauce, water and pasta. Microwave another 13 minutes, stirring part way through. Sprinkle cheese on top and allow to stand covered approximately 7 minutes before eating. Serves 2-3 starving kids.

There are many meals you can cook with lean ground beef. Any recipe that asks for lean ground beef will work just fine substituted with ground turkey, chicken or venison as an alternative. The quick and easy recipe below uses ground meat. It takes almost an hour to bake but merely a moment to prepare.

Combine together:

2 pounds ground meat
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 can condensed mushroom soup
One bag of Crinkle Cut French Fries

Brown ground meat and drain the grease. Add both soups to drained ground meat and place in a 9x13 greased baking dish. Top off with frozen crinkle cut French fries and bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until fries are golden brown.

Taco salads are very fast and simple to make. Start with lettuce. Add tomato, onion and cheese (if your kids will approve of it.) Brown some hamburger and toss in a packet of taco seasoning – or just include some taco sauce to the meat. Then add smashed tortilla chips or Fritos. Top with salsa or Ranch dressing. Remember the sour cream and guacamole too! Kids love this meal!

For a simple, grab 'n' go, healthy, cold meal you'll need:

Large lettuce leaves (not bagged lettuce)
Ham or Roast Beef deli meat
Sliced cheese
Condiments

Step 1: Remove a large lettuce leaf.
Step 2: Assemble meat, cheese, and condiments.
Step 3: Roll up and place a toothpick in the center.
Step 4: Enjoy. S
tep 5: Wipe your face, there's a dab of mayonnaise on your cheek.

What about a interesting twist on the standard macaroni and cheesekids recipe?

1 (16 ounce) box pasta (elbow, seashell, bowtie – doesn't matter, just not spaghetti)
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Mix cottage cheese, sugar, and cinnamon with drained pasta.
3. Taste and add more sugar and cinnamon, if needed.
4. Serve immediately. Delicious!

Use a bit of creativity to incorporate a spin on a tried and true recipe and even with the crazy evening activities you will find time to cook up a unique meal for your kids supper.