With homework, basketball, cub scouts, and tae kwon do, who has time to prepare a appetizing meal for the kids for dinner? You do! You will have time if you serve an quick to cook kids' meal.

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

Try this simple 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 3-quart glass casserole and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Stir & rotate halfway through cooking time. Drain Beef. Mix in sauce, water and pasta. Microwave another 12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Sprinkle cheese on top and let stand covered approximately 5 minutes before serving. Serves a couple hungry kids.

There are numerous meals you can make with hamburger. Any recipe that asks for hamburger will work just dandy substituted with ground turkey, chicken or venison instead. The quick and easy recipe below uses ground meat. It takes nearly an hour to bake but merely a moment to prepare.

Mix together:

2 pounds ground meat

1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup

One bag of Crinkle Cut French Fries

Brown ground beef and drain the grease. Add both soups to drained ground beef and place in a 9x13 greased pan. Top with cut French fries and bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until French fries are golden brown.

Taco salads are very quick and simple to prepare. Start with lettuce. Add cheese, tomato and onion (if your kids will approve of it.) Prepare some meat and add in a packet of taco seasoning – or just incorporate some taco sauce to the meat. Then add smashed tortilla chips or Fritos. Finish off with salsa or Catalina salad dressing. Don't forget the sour cream and guacamole too! Kids love this meal!

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

Large lettuce leaves (not bagged lettuce)

Turkey or ham deli meat

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 center.

Step 4: Enjoy. S

tep 5: Wipe your face, there is a bit of mayo. on your cheek.

What about a unique twist to the normal 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 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. Mix cottage cheese, sugar, and cinnamon with drained pasta.

3. Taste and add more sugar or cinnamon, if needed.

4. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Drum up a little creativity to incorporate a spin on a standard meal and even with the chaotic evening activities you'll muster up time to cook a unique meal for your kids dinner.