Mom, What's For Dinner? - Quick Kids Meals
Posted: Friday, February 02, 2007
by Christine Steendahl
Dine Without Whine
With homework, choir, the science project that's due tomorrow and tae kwon do, who has energy to cook a decent meal for the kids in the evening? You do! You will have time if you prepare a quick to cook kids' meal.
Sure it's a no-brainer to throw a hotdog in the microwave or put a tortilla in a frying pan on top of the stove top, add some cheese and ninety seconds later have a plain quesadilla, but what's the joy in that? Casseroles and one-pot dishes in most cases go over well with the kids; and are quick to throw together.
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 3-quart glass bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Mix & rotate halfway through cooking time. Strain Beef. Mix in sauce, water and macaroni. Microwave another 12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Crumble cheese on top and allow to sit covered approximately 7 minutes before eating. Serves a couple hungry kids.
There are tons of meals you can cook with lean ground beef. Any recipe that asks for lean ground beef will work just perfect substituted with ground turkey, chicken or venison as an alternative. The simple recipe below uses ground meat. It takes almost an hour to cook but merely a blink to prepare.
Combine together:
2 lbs. ground meat
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 can condensed cream of 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 with cut French fries and cook at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until fries are golden brown.
Taco salads are very quick and simple to make. Start with lettuce. Add onion, tomato and cheese (if your kids will tolerate it.) Brown some ground beef and add in an envelope of taco seasoning – or just incorporate some taco sauce to the meat. Then add crushed tortilla chips or Fritos. Finish off with salsa or Ranch dressing. Remember the sour cream and guacamole if desired! Kids love this meal!
For a simple, on the go, nutritious, cold meal you'll need:
A head of lettuce (not pre-cut lettuce in a bag)
Turkey or roast beef sliced meat
Sliced cheese
Condiments
Step 1: Remove a large lettuce leaf.
Step 2: Assemble meat, cheese, and condiments.
Step 3: Fold up and place a toothpick in the center.
Step 4: Eat. S
tep 5: Wipe your face, there is a bit of mustard on your cheek.
What about a unique twist to the standard mac 'n cheesekids recipe?
1 (16 ounce) package macaroni (elbow, seashell, bowtie – doesn't matter, just not spaghetti)
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
2. Combine cottage cheese, sugar, and cinnamon with drained macaroni.
3. Nibble and add more sugar and cinnamon, if required.
4. Serve immediately. Yum!
Use a little creativity to create a twist on a regular meal and even with the busy after school activities you will muster up time to prepare a delicious meal for the kids supper.
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Need More Great Kid Approved Meals? Visit http://www.kidapprovedmeals.com
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