5 Easy Weeknight Dinners Your Kids Can Help Prepare

Getting dinner on the table after a long day can be a challenge, especially when you have little ones vying for your attention. Involving your kids in the kitchen not only makes cooking more fun but also teaches them valuable life skills. Here are five easy weeknight dinners that are simple enough for your kids to help prepare!

1. Taco Night

Ingredients:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Taco seasoning
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Once browned, add taco seasoning and a little water, stirring until well combined.
3. Allow your kids to set up a taco bar with the shells and toppings, encouraging them to build their own tacos.

Benefits: Taco night is customizable and fun, allowing kids to express their creativity while learning about meal assembly.

2. Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

• English muffins or pita bread
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings: pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Let your kids spread pizza sauce on the English muffins or pita bread.
3. Allow them to sprinkle cheese and add their favorite toppings.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Benefits: Making mini pizzas allows kids to take ownership of their meals while practicing portion control and trying new toppings.

3. Stir-Fry Veggies and Chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Assorted vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
• Cooked rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
2. Let your kids help wash and chop the vegetables (with supervision).
3. Cook the chicken until golden brown, then add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes.
4. Drizzle with sauce and serve over rice or noodles.

Benefits: Stir-frying is quick and teaches kids about cooking techniques, along with the importance of including vegetables in their diet.

4. Breakfast-for-Dinner: Omelets

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese
• Toppings: diced vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers), cooked bacon or sausage

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl, and let your kids whisk them together with a splash of milk.
2. Pour the mixture into a heated, greased skillet.
3. Allow your kids to sprinkle cheese and add their chosen toppings before folding the omelet in half to cook through.

Benefits: Making omelets is a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about cooking eggs and experimenting with different ingredients.

5. DIY Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• Diced vegetables (cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers)
• Cubed cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• Italian dressing or vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, let your kids mix the pasta with diced vegetables and cheese.
3. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.

Benefits: Pasta salad is a versatile dish that allows kids to practice chopping and mixing while learning about different flavors.

Conclusion

These five easy weeknight dinners not only make mealtime enjoyable but also provide valuable opportunities for your kids to learn essential cooking skills. Involving them in meal preparation fosters creativity, independence, and an appreciation for healthy eating. So grab your aprons, gather your little chefs, and enjoy cooking together!