Sneaky Beef and Penne Skillet - Marlene Koch

By srumbel

Ingredients

• Makes 4 servings
• 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium V-8 juice
• 1 1/4 cups frozen bell pepper strips, thawed
• 12 ounces lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup frozen diced onion
• 1 tablespoon jarred minced garlic
• 1 (14-ounce) can no salt petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups dry penne pasta
• 1/2 cup shredded low-fat Italian cheese blend

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from marlenekoch.com

Preparation

Step 1

First, it’s as easy as can be to make. In fact, there is no cutting, chopping, or dicing required – none. Second, it’s packed with vitamin-rich bell peppers, but pureeing them makes them “disappear” (yep, the pumpkin disappears too), while everything melds into a beefy tomatoe-y dish reminiscent of an Italian bolognese. And third, even my even my pickiest, veggie hating child, gobbles it down!

Makes 4 servings

1. In a food processor, purée the V-8 and bell pepper strips and set aside.

2.  Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.

3.  Stir in the puréed mixture, tomatoes, pumpkin, basil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 23 to 25 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally (add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water toward the end of cooking, if necessary).

4.  Uncover the pan, sprinkle the cheese over pasta mixture and cover once again for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Marlene Says: Each serving of this cheesy, beefy dish delivers 3 servings of vegetables, 6 grams of fiber, and over 100% of the daily allowance for vitamins A and C.

Nutrition Information Per Serving (1¾ cups)

Calories 330 |Carbohydrate 38g (Sugars 11g) |Total Fat 8g (Sat Fat 4g) | Protein 30g | Fiber 6g |Cholesterol 70mg |Sodium 480mg

Food Exchanges: 3½ Lean Meat, 3 Vegetables, 1 Starch
Carbohydrate Choices: 2
Weight Watcher Point Plus Comparison: 7 Smart Points: 7