With dance practice, basketball, the science project that's due tomorrow and Tae Kwon Do, who has energy to cook a decent meal for the kids for dinner? You do! You can have time if you prepare an easy to cook kids meal.

Sure it's a no-brainer to throw a hot dog in the microwave or set a tortilla in a frying pan on top of the stove, add some cheddar cheese and 90 seconds later have a simple quesadilla, but what's the joy in that? How about trying a casserole or one-pot dish? They generally 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 casserole and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Stir & turn halfway through cooking time. Strain Beef. Stir in sauce, water and macaroni. Microwave another 12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Sprinkle cheese on top and allow to stand covered about 7 minutes before eating. Serves 2-3 starving kids.

There are numerous meals you can create with ground beef. Any recipe that calls for 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 close to an hour to cook but merely a moment to prepare.

Combine together:

2 pounds 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 drained hamburger and place into a 9x13 greased pan. Top off with frozen crinkle cut French fries and cook at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until fries are golden brown.

Taco salads are very quick and easy to make. Start with lettuce. Add cheese, tomato and onion (if your kids will approve of it.) Fry up some ground beef and toss in a packet of taco seasoning – or just include some taco sauce to the meat. Then add crumbled tortilla chips or Fritos. Top off with salsa or Ranch salad dressing. Don't forget the sour cream and guacamole too! Kids love this meal!

For a fast, on the go, healthy, cold meal try:

Large lettuce leaves (not pre-cut lettuce in a bag)
Turkey or roast beef sliced meat
Cheese slices
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 middle.
Step 4: Enjoy. S
tep 5: Wipe your face, there is a bit of mustard on your chin.

How about a unique twist on the famous macaroni and cheese kids recipe?

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

1. Prepare macaroni according to package instructions.
2. Combine sugar, cottage cheese,and cinnamon with drained macaroni.
3. Nibble and add sugar and cinnamon, if needed.
4. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Incorporate a bit of creativity to create a spin on a standard recipe and even with the chaotic evening activities you will muster up time to prepare a delicious meal for the kids evening meal.

----------