We know busy moms with kiddos in youth sports need quick and easy answers when it comes to what’s on the menu morning, noon and night.

To help our football moms out, we’re sharing some of our favorite recipes that can be ready-made for hungry players – and dads – for game day or practice night.

Share your favorite recipes with us by emailing Joe Frollo, and you might see your creations part of the USA Football blogs.

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Diner Meat Loaf Muffins

By Cooking Light

Original recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/diner-meat-loaf-muffins-10000001160601/

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup ketchup, divided; 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, extra lean (raw); 1 cup finely crushed fat-free saltine crackers (about 20); 2 tablespoons prepared mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 large eggs; cooking spray.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, chopped carrot, dried oregano, and minced garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Cool.

Combine onion mixture, 1/2 cup ketchup, and the remaining ingredients except cooking spray in a large bowl.

Spoon the meat mixture into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Top each with 2 teaspoons ketchup. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a thermometer registers 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Pros: Fast and fun for kids to eat this miniaturized comfort food

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Grilled chicken Panini (Main picture)

By Karen Mills, Angel Food Garden

Original recipe: http://angelfoodgarden.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/grilled-chicken-panini/

Ingredients: Chicken, selected cheeses, spinach, onions, peppers, sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes, pickles, sturdy bread, herbal dressing such as basil mayonnaise.

Directions

Grill chicken in advance and store in the refrigerator.

Stack sandwich with your favorites among the listed ingredients, including a dressing, which gives the sandwich depth. Provolone cheese melts nicely and provides a nice complement to the vegetables.

Grill sandwich in a Panini maker or on the stove top with a grill pan and extra virgin olive oil.

Pros: Easy to assemble, easy to individualize, can prepare some ingredients in advance

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Crockpot Fajitas

By Corey, Family Fresh Meals

Original recipe: http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/04/crockpot-fajitas.html

Ingredients: 1½ lbs flank steak; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons soy sauce, preferably the low-sodium variety; 1 (7oz) can of green chilies; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 bell peppers, any color, cut into slices; 1 large onion, cut into slices.

Directions

Start by placing half the onion slices on the bottom of the crockpot. Place flank steak on top of onions.

Next, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Sprinkle on top of the flank steak. 

Pour soy sauce over the top of the steak, and season and spread minced garlic evenly over top of meat.

Top with the rest of the sliced onions, green chilies and bell peppers. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5-6 hours until meat can easily be shredded with 2 forks. 

Pros: Toss in the crockpot and leave until dinner time