With dance practice, choir, cub scouts, and tae kwon do, who has energy to cook a nourishing meal for the kids in the evening? You do! You can have time if you prepare an easy to cook kids' meal. We all know it's a no-brainer to toss a hotdog in the microwave or place a tortilla in a skillet on top of the stove, sprinkle on some cheddar cheese and ninety seconds later have a simple quesadilla, but what's the joy in that? Casseroles and one-pot dishes usually go over well with the kids; and are quick to throw together. Taste this quick 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 Set beef in a three-qrt glass baking dish and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Stir & turn part way through cooking time. Strain Beef. Mix in sauce, water and macaroni. Microwave another 12 minutes, stirring part way through. Crumble cheese on top and let sit covered approximately 7 minutes before serving. Serves 2-3 hungry kids. There are many meals you can create with lean ground beef. Any recipe that calls for lean 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 cook but merely a blink to prepare. Combine together: 2 lbs. ground meat 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup 1 can condensed mushroom soup Crinkle Cut French Fries Brown hamburger and drain the grease. Add both soups to strained hamburger and place into a 9 x 12 greased baking dish. Top off with frozen crinkle cut French fries and cook at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until French fries are light brown. Taco salads are very fast and easy to prepare. Start with lettuce. Add tomato, onion and cheese (if your kids will approve of it.) Brown some meat and toss in a packet of taco seasoning – or just incorporate some taco sauce to the meat. Next add crumbled tortilla chips or Fritos. Top off with salsa or Ranch dressing. Don't forget the sour cream and guacamole if desired! Kids love this meal! For a quick, grab 'n' go, nutritious, cold meal you'll need: Large lettuce leaves (not bagged lettuce) Turkey or ham slices Sliced cheese Condiments Step 1: Remove a large lettuce leaf. Step 2: Layer meat, cheese, and condiments. Step 3: Fold up and stick a toothpick in the center. Step 4: Eat. S tep 5: Wipe your mouth, there's a dab of mayonnaise on your chin. What about a sweet twist to the normal macaroni and 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 teaspoon cinnamon 1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. 2. Mix cottage cheese, sugar, and cinnamon with drained macaroni. 3. Nibble and add sugar and cinnamon, if required. 4. Serve right away. Enjoy! Incorporate a little creativity to put a spin on a standard recipe and even with the busy evening activities you will find time to prepare a unique meal for your kids supper. ----------
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