Easy Recipes for Teens

As your kids get older, you will find that they are getting more and more freedom and independence. At some point, possibly even now, your teen will be able to fully fend for themselves. If you are looking for easy recipes for your teen to prepare independently, you are in the right place! Here are some great, easy recipes that any teen can handle.

Tacos

No need to wait in line at Taco Bell with this taco recipe. It is incredibly easy and delicious.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef, turkey, or chicken

1 packet taco seasoning

Water, per seasoning packet

Hard or soft taco shells

Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese

Desired toppings: diced onions, diced tomatoes, taco sauce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

Prepare the meat by first browning it over medium heat, on the stove, and drain any excess grease. Then add the taco seasoning to the pan, and simmer as directed. Let cool, and finally assemble tacos with as many or few additions as desired. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa, or just fill up on seconds, thirds, or even fourths.

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Spaghetti

This delicious spaghetti recipe is perfect whether your teen wants to feed the whole family or make just enough for one. Don’t forget to have your teen bake a few pieces of premade garlic bread to serve as a side!

Ingredients:

1 box of pasta

1 jar of pasta sauce

½ lb. – 1 lb. of ground beef

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 diced green pepper, optional

1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Begin by boiling a pot of water. Gently place the noodles in the pot and cook as directed on the box, generally about 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Next brown the ground beef in a pan on medium heat with the onions, and optional green peppers, for added flavor. Drain the grease, and then pour in the pasta sauce, and add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, and then serve atop a plate of pasta.

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French Bread Pizza

Teens love pizza. However, it is nice to change things up a bit, so here is a twist on their average pizza. The best part is, there is no measuring, as the ingredients can be “eyeballed,” or added to taste.

Ingredients:

1 loaf French bread

1 jar pizza sauce

Grated Parmesan cheese

Mozzarella cheese

Toppings of choice: meats and/or veggies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Afterward slice the loaf of French bread in half, lengthwise, and place them on the foil. Now you can prepare just as you would a pizza. Spread pizza sauce throughout the entire length of the bread. Then sprinkle with parmesan cheese, desired toppings, and shredded cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes or so, until the cheese is melted. Let cool before cutting into slices.

Teaching your teens how to cook is one of the best gifts you can give them! What easy recipes have you introduced to your teens?