"Both Steve and I, and my parents, really enjoyed this recipe! I found it in a supplemental recipe magazine by Taste of Home magazine, called "Diabetes Family Friendly Cookbook, Fall 2012". This is the recipe that was on the cover, and I didn't think it looked that healthy, but mighty yummy! As it turns out, it's rated "Best" as far as how healthy it is in a diabetic diet. I'm sure much of the issue is portion-control. We each ate 1/4 of the recipe, and were very satisfied. I followed the recipe exactly as written, with exceptions noted in brackets. If you like a good cheeseburger, you'll enjoy this!"
Family Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta
YIELD: 4 servings
1 1/2 cups uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
3/4 pound lean ground beef (90% lean) [I used a whole pound of 93/7 lean beef]
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes [I used regular diced tomatoes]
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish [I used my homemade dill relish]
2 tablespoons prepared mustard [I was tempted to use less, but decided to follow the recipe. It was good!]
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon steak seasoning
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese [I used Tillamook Medium Cheddar]
Chopped green onions, optional
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Drain pasta; add to meat mixture.
2 Stir in the tomatoes, relish, mustard, ketchup, steak seasoning and seasoned salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with cheese. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand until cheese is melted. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning.
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups equals 391 calories, 12 g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 759 mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 28g protein
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat
