Meal Ideas for Parents to Prepare Ahead and Kids to Assemble

As a parent, finding balanced and healthy meal ideas that can be prepared ahead of time and get easily assembled by your kids, especially those under 12, can be a daunting task. But with the right recipes and the right approach, mealtime can become less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family.

Street Taco Pizza

Street taco pizzas are a fun twist on traditional pizza. The thick, tortilla-based crust is as crunchy as a pizza crust and the combination of toppings make it a delightful meal. Here's how to make it:

Heat up the street taco tortillas in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes or in the microwave to get a crispy texture. Spread a variety of sauces on the tortillas, such as spicy salsa or homemade pizza sauce. Top with pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil or microwave until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Nuke TV Dinner in the Microwave

For a quick and easy meal, consider nuking TV dinners in the microwave. This is a perfect option for younger kids and busy adults who are not confident in the kitchen. It's simple, requires minimal effort, and ensures a warm and ready-to-eat meal.

Tacos

Preparation time and effort can be reduced when young kids are involved by using sealed containers to hold taco ingredients. Each ingredient can be stored separately and used for assembling custom-made tacos. This method also allows the kids to use a variety of spreads such as diced tomatoes, finely chopped onions, peppers, and hot sauce, all of which add delicious flavors to the tacos.

Prepare taco shells in advance and store them in a container. Shred lettuce and store in its own container. Cook and shred vegetables, fish, or meat (if applicable) and store in a container. Don't forget the crumbled cheese, store in an individual container.

Let your children line up the open containers on the table and assemble their own tacos. Encouraging them to mix and match ingredients can lead to a wide range of unique and tasty creations.

Slow Cooker Meals

Slow cooker meals are perfect for families because they can be started ahead of time and the older kids can take responsibility for ensuring they are completed and served. They can even handle part of the prep work themselves, with guidance from siblings.

Start with a simple slow cooker recipe, such as a beef stew, chicken curry, or a meatball soup. Prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When it's time to cook, just pull out the ingredients and throw them in the slow cooker.

Family Teamwork

Similar to the author's upbringing, dividing household tasks among kids can streamline the meal preparation process. Assigning different jobs to different family members can make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable.

For example:

Set the table Peel and cut vegetables Prepare the main ingredients for the evening meal Clear the table and help with the dishes

By assigning these tasks, kids can play a part in the meal preparation and feel responsible and proud.

Conclusion

By utilizing these meal ideas, parents can reduce stress and ensure that meals are both nutritious and fun. Encouraging kids to participate in meal preparation can also foster responsibility and independence. So, let's get cooking and make mealtime a joyful experience for the whole family.