Macaroni and Beef Sauté

Macaroni and beef is certainly an old standby.

It used to be one of my favorite easy dinner recipes.

Now with this new recipe brought to my attention, it will be back on the menu, this time with a few changes and additions to up the nutrition level.

I make it now with whole wheat pasta. You can certainly still use regular pasta, but I like the added fiber of whole wheat pasta.

Some people say they find whole wheat pasta a little too firm.

I find that the whole wheat macaroni needs to be cooked just an extra minute to make sure it is al dente but not hard.

This recipe is also one of my favorite kids recipes. It has all the tastes they love, plus you can hide a few extra veggies in it for added nutritional value.

For example, if the kids don't like green pepper, try hiding the pepper by using red pepper instead. They won't even see it.

If the kids want more color add fresh, frozen or canned corn. Peas also add extra nutrition.

I think this recipe can easily become one of your favorite easy dinner recipes. While the recipe cooks, make a salad and you're done.

I hope you like it.

Macaroni and Beef

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 clove garlic, minced (optional)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
12 ounces tomato juice (1 2/3 cups) or diced tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Sauté the beef, dry macaroni, onion, green pepper and garlic in the hot oil until the macaroni turns slightly yellow. Drain off all the excess fat.

Add the tomato juice and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer for 20 minutes. Uncover it and simmer for several more minutes, or until sauce is reduced to the desired consistency and the pasta is tender.

• You can also add sliced mushrooms to the mixture when you are frying the beef and vegetables.
• Use the canned tomatoes instead of tomato juice if you prefer a chunkier texture. Just make sure it is quite juicy so the macaroni will cook through.
• Using whole wheat pasta ups the nutritional value of this meal and adds fiber.
• The original recipes doesn't call for garlic, but I add a clove of garlic for extra nutrition and taste.

Makes 2 to 3 servings.