With homework, choir, cub scouts, and tae kwon do, who has energy to prepare a appetizing meal for the kids after school? You do! You will have time if you prepare an easy to cook kids' meal.

Of course it's effortless to throw a hotdog in the microwave or place a tortilla in a frying pan on top of the stove, add some cheese and ninety seconds later have a simple quesadilla, but what's the excitement in that? Casseroles or one-pot dishes generally go over well with the kids; and are quick to throw together.

Taste this quick 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

Crumble beef into a 3-quart glass baking dish and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Stir and turn halfway through cooking time. Strain Beef. Mix in sauce, water and pasta. Microwave another 13 minutes, stirring halfway through. Crumble mozzarella on top and allow to stand covered approximately 5 minutes before eating. Serves 2-3 starving kids.

There are many meals you can cook with ground beef. Any recipe that calls for ground beef will work just perfect replaced with ground turkey, chicken or venison instead. The simple recipe below uses ground meat. It takes close to an hour to bake but merely a blink to prepare.

Combine together:

2 pounds ground meat
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 can condensed mushroom soup
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 cut French fries and bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until fries are light brown.

Taco salads are very quick and easy to prepare. Start with lettuce. Add cheese, tomato and onion (if your kids will tolerate it.) Brown some meat and toss in an envelope of taco seasoning – or just add some taco sauce to the meat. Next add crushed tortilla chips or Fritos. Finish off with salsa or Ranch salad dressing. Remember the sour cream and guacamole too! Kids love this meal!

For a fast, grab 'n' go, nutritious, cold meal try:

Large lettuce leaves (not bagged lettuce)
Turkey or roast beef sliced meat
Cheese slices
Condiments

Step 1: Peel off a medium lettuce leaf.
Step 2: Assemble meat, cheese, and condiments.
Step 3: Roll up and stab a toothpick in the center.
Step 4: Gobble Up. S
tep 5: Wipe your face, there's a bit of mustard on your chin.

How about a sweet twist to the famous macaroni and cheesekids recipe?

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

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Combine cottage cheese, sugar, and cinnamon with drained pasta.
3. Taste and add sugar or cinnamon, if necessary.
4. Serve right away. Delicious!

Incorporate a bit of creativity to create a spin on a standard meal and even with the crazy after school activities you will find time to prepare a delicious meal for your kids evening meal.

Article Source: http://www.thewahmshack.com/articledirectory/

About The Author:  Christine Steendahl Is The Founder Of Dine Without Whine – The Number One Online Source For Affordable And Family Friendly Weekly Meal Planning. Eliminate Your Dinner Hour Stress And Re-Discover The Pleasure Of The Dinner Hour! Click here to receive your Free Sample Menu And Grocery List.

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