Easy Cheap Meals for Kids
As a parent, you come home from a long day at work and are immediately expected to whip up a filling yet inexpensive meal to satisfy your hungry kids. This is a tall order, but with the help of these three meal ideas, you can save the day and put a healthy dinner on the table in less time than it would take to have a pizza delivered.
Colorful Macaroni and Cheese
If your kids were in charge of dinner, they would almost always choose a bowl full of macaroni and cheese. While a box of pasta and cheese mix is very cheap, it is hardly the balanced option that growing children require. One excellent idea is to purchase a box of macaroni and cheese at the store in addition to a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. Try to choose vegetables that your child likes. When you get home, cook the macaroni and cheese according to the instructions on the box. At the same time, cook the frozen mixed vegetables according to the instructions on the package. When both the macaroni and cheese and the vegetables are cooked, mix everything together in a large serving bowl.
A box of macaroni and cheese is a versatile foundation for a kid-friendly meal. You can add lean ground turkey for a protein-rich dinner. Toni Patrick, the author of "101 Things To Do With Mac & Cheese," suggests adding peas and ham to your favorite box of macaroni and cheese. Patrick also recommends adding slices of chicken breast or seafood such as canned tuna or fresh shrimp.
Healthy Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a great finger food, but they are not always the healthiest option. However, there are a few brands that are both healthy and inexpensive. Good Housekeeping magazine recommends two types of hot dogs in particular-Ball Park Lite Beef Franks and Hebrew National 97 Percent Fat Free Franks. These dogs should be served with whole wheat hot dog buns, and any leftover buns should be placed in the freezer for future use. All too often shoppers throw money away by not using leftover buns before the expiration date and then tossing the moldy buns into the garbage can. As for toppings, steer clear of nacho cheese sauce or french fried onions. Instead, add some sauteed peppers and onions or make a southwestern dog with pinto beans and fresh pico de gallo.
Breakfast for Dinner
Come home with a dozen eggs and a package of frozen whole grain waffles for dinner and your kids will think you are the coolest parent ever. If you have extra time, you can always buy a sweet potato pancake mix or a whole grain waffle mix and make the main dish yourself. Be sure to make extra pancakes or waffles so you can freeze some for breakfast or dinner another day. If your budget allows, you can also buy lean turkey bacon to round out the meal.
Tags: macaroni cheese, according instructions, Cheap Meals, Cheap Meals Kids, Easy Cheap, Easy Cheap Meals, frozen mixed