Nutty-beefy-noodles! This healthy combo is super-satisfying and utterly delicious.
It’s also makes a great vegetarian dish. When I tried the meatless version using imitation beef crumbles my meat-loving husband devoured a plateful without even suspecting the soy switcheroo and my vegetarian assistant was absolutely thrilled. Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Recipe Crumbles work great when meaty tasting,
but not the meat, is what you crave.
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti (a whole grain blend pasta like Barilla Plus works great)
1 red bell pepper, chopped or sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped or sliced
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup or reduced-sugar ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup warm water
3/4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pound very lean ground beef or 12-ounces beef flavored soy crumbles
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Mix in the bell peppers and carrot, cover, and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Whisk in the warm water and cornstarch.
3. In a very large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the beef and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, until the beef is browned.
4. Pour the sauce into the beef and bring to a simmer. Stir in the pasta and vegetables and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Serve topped with the green onions.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: (1 1/2 cups)
Calories 350 : Carbohydrate 36g (Sugars 6g) : Total Fat 11g (Sat Fat 3.5 ) : Protein 27g : Fiber 5g : Cholesterol 30 mg : Sodium 470mg
Food Exchanges: 2 Lean Meat, 2 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1 Fat : Carbohydrate Choices: 2 Weight Watcher Point Comparison: 7 (6 with soy “beef crumbles”) Smart Points: 9 (8 with soy “beef crumbles)
