FAST FIX

CAJUN BEEF & RICE

Dirty rice from a restaurant or box can have a lot of sodium and fat. Here’s a hearty, healthy way I like to trim it.

—RAQUEL HAGGARD EDMOND, OK



START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 4 SERVINGS


1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

3 celery ribs, chopped

1 small green pepper, chopped

1 small sweet red pepper, chopped

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 cups water

1 cup instant brown rice

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons reduced-sodium beef bouillon granules

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1. In a large skillet, cook beef, celery, green and red peppers, and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 12-15 minutes or until rice is tender.

Per 1 1/2 cups: 291 cal., 10g fat (4g sat. fat), 71mg chol., 422mg sod., 23g carb. (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g pro.

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.