We all occasionally have those super busy evenings, where it seems that we are not home long enough to put together a nutritious meal. Between ball games, music lessons, scouts, or church activities, we end up eating too many rushed, high fat meals from the drive-through.

These are some tried and true, extremely quick meals that I've relied on through those years. They use inexpensive, convenience foods. Yet they are a filling alternative to fast food. Preparation time for each meal is thirty minutes or less. They have also been kid pleasers in my home.

Meal One: Ravioli, Salad, Garlic Bread

-Ravioli (frozen from bag)
-Spaghetti sauce from a jar
-Salad from a bag
-Garlic bread

Put garlic bread in oven to bake. Prepare ravioli according to directions while spaghetti sauce simmers. Then drain and mix with sauce. I always add a little brown sugar to the spaghetti sauce. Serve with salad and garlic bread.

Meal Two: Ground Beef over Noodles or Rice

-1 to 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
-Bag of flavored noodles or rice
( You may need to double this, depending on the size of your family.)

Brown & drain ground beef.
Sprinkle beef flavored soup mix over beef and a small amount of water to moisten, about 1/2 cup or less. Simmer for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare packaged flavored noodles or rice

Serve ground beef mixture over rice or noodles.
Add your favorite canned vegetable and fruit on the side.

Meal Three: Grilled Chicken Salad

-Frozen grilled chicken strips
-Salad from a bag
-Favorite salad dressing
-Texas toast - frozen

Bake chicken strips and Texas toast according to directions.
Serve over salad, topped with dressing. Sinfully easy, but my family loves this one!

Meal Four: Ham, Potatoes, Green Beans

-Fully cooked ham slices
-large can of potatoes and green beans, already mixed

Fry or microwave ham slices while potatoes and green beans are cooking.
Serve with fruit and dinner rolls.

Meal Five: Tacos

-1-2 pounds ground beef
-taco shells, salsa, taco sauce, shredded cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, or whatever else your family likes.

Brown and drain ground beef and sprinkle with taco seasoning to taste, and small amount of water.
Serve buffet style.

These suggestions are for quick suppers in a hurry. Hopefully, they will help the dinner rush hour. (Of course, always consult your physician for special diet needs.)

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Credits: Inez Haythorn