Hearty Pita Tacos

Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to skimp on flavor. Our 9-year-old daughter enjoys helping us make these tasty sandwiches, so it’s all the more satisfying when we sit down to eat.

—JAMIE VALOCCHI MESA, AZ

START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. MAKES: 6 SERVINGS

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

1 small sweet red pepper, chopped

2 green onions, chopped

1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cup frozen corn

2/3 cup taco sauce

1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon pepper

6 whole wheat pita pocket halves

6 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Sliced avocado and additional taco sauce, optional

1. In a large skillet, cook the beef, red pepper and onions over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the beans, corn, taco sauce, olives and seasonings; heat through.

2. Spoon 3/4 cup beef mixture into each pita half. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve with avocado and additional taco sauce if desired.

PER SERVING 339 cal., 10 g fat (4 g sat. fat), 52 mg chol., 787 mg sodium, 38 g carb., 8 g fiber, 26 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 1/2 starch.