With dance practice, basketball, the science project that's due tomorrow and tae kwon do, who has energy to prepare a decent meal for the kids after school? You do! You can have time if you prepare an quick to cook kids' meal.

We all know it's effortless to toss a hotdog in the microwave or set a tortilla in a frying pan on top of the stove top, add some cheddar cheese and ninety seconds later have a easy quesadilla, but what's the thrill in that? Casseroles or one-pot meals generally go over well with the kids; and are easy to put together.

Try this easy 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 casserole and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Mix & turn halfway through cooking time. Strain Beef. Mix in sauce, water and pasta. Microwave another 12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Crumble cheese on top and allow to stand covered approximately 5 minutes before serving. Serves a couple famished kids.

There are tons of meals you can create with hamburger. Any recipe that calls for hamburger will work just dandy substituted 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 lbs. ground meat
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Crinkle Cut French Fries

Brown hamburger and drain the grease. Add both soups to strained hamburger and spoon into 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 golden brown.

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

For a fast, grab-it-and-go, healthy, cold meal try:

A head of lettuce (not pre-cut lettuce in a bag)
Ham or Roast Beef slices
Cheese slices
Condiments

Step 1: Peel off a large lettuce leaf.
Step 2: Layer meat, cheese, and condiments.
Step 3: Fold up and place a toothpick in the middle.
Step 4: Eat.
Step 5: Wipe your face, there's a bit of mayonnaise on your cheek.

How about an interesting twist to the normal macaroni and cheese kids recipe?

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

1. Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
2. Combine sugar, cottage cheese,and cinnamon with drained pasta.
3. Taste and add sugar/cinnamon, if required.
4. Serve immediately. Yum!

Incorporate a little creativity to put a spin on a tried and true recipe and even with the busy after school activities you'll muster up time to cook a nourishing meal for the kids dinner.

---------- Want More Simple Kid Approved Meals? Visit www.kidapprovedmeals.com

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