Beef & Pasta Skillet Primavera

Beef and Pasta Skillet Primavera

Total Recipe Time: 25-30 minutes

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (96% lean)
• 1 can (14 to 14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup uncooked whole wheat or whole grain pasta
• 2 small zucchini and/or yellow squash, cut in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/2 inch slices
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings.
2. Stir in broth and pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 7 to 11 minutes or until pasta is almost tender. Add squash and tomatoes; continue to cook 4 to 6 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cook’s Tip:

• Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Nutrition information per serving: 265 calories; 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 0 g monounsaturated fat); 68 mg cholesterol; 561 mg sodium; 28 g carbohydrate; 3.3 g fiber; 28 g protein; 6.8 mg niacin; 0.5 mg vitamin B₆; 2.1 mcg vitamin B₁₂; 4.2 mg iron; 17.6 mcg selenium; 6.1 mg zinc; 85.7 mg choline.This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, iron, selenium and zinc; and a good source of fiber and choline.

Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps

Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef (95% lean)
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/2 cup Asian peanut sauce
• 1 medium cucumber, seeded, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup torn fresh mint leaves
• Salt and pepper
• 12 large Boston lettuce leaves (about 2 heads) or iceberg or romaine lettuce
• Fresh mint leaves

Directions:

1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into small crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings. Stir in hoisin sauce and peanut sauce; heat through.
2. Just before serving, add cucumber, carrots and torn mint; toss gently. Season with salt and pepper. Serve beef mixture in lettuce leaves. Garnish with mint.

Cook’s Tip:

• Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Nutrition information per serving: 360 calories; 13 g fat; 97 mg cholesterol; 721 mg sodium; 26 g carbohydrate; 35 g protein; 8.4 mg niacin; 0.6 mg vitamin B₆; 4 mcg vitamin B₁₂; 4.8 mg iron; 8.5 mg zinc.This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, iron and zinc.