It’s officially back to school time!  Back to teachers, homework, and the daily hustle and bustle!

The after-school routine doesn’t just include homework – there are also extracurricular activities such as sports, tutoring, and much more. With all of the activities back in full swing, it’s also time to start organizing the day – including dinnertime.

Both of my boys play competitive hockey, which means we are at an ice rink 5-6 times a week. Between the two of them, weeknights are hectic. So weeknight meals have to be quick, healthy and delicious.

There are often times we are having dinner super early, due to an early away game, and are eating by 4:30pm. Or we will end up having a late dinner after a game. That’s why most weeknight dinners have to be simple and easy.

Now that my boys are older, they can help in the kitchen too. And believe me, I take full advantage of that! Plus they like to get involved and are eager to learn how to cook.

One meal that everyone can help prepare together is Mexican. Nachos with cheese, salsa, and tacos are a great go-to weeknight meal that is simple and easy – as well as delicious!

While I get start cooking the meat on the stove top, the kids can shred the cheese, and cut the toppings – including lettuce and onions. I like to slice up some avocado, and chop up some cilantro and lime as well.

Throw all the toppings into a platter or individual bowls, and we’re done. That way, everyone can create their own hard or soft taco with Old El Paso Hard Soft kit, and make it just the way they like it.

If you’re really pressed for time, another trick for getting dinner on the table quickly is to precook the meat the day before. If you buy a whack of ground beef or turkey, use half for burgers one night, and half for Tacos the next.

If there are leftovers, have the kids pack them into containers to take to school for lunch the next day. Yummy tacos definitely beat having a boring sandwich at school!

How do you get your kids involved in the kitchen?

Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Old El Paso and as such receive perks and compensation for my participation. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own.