Recipe: Healthy Sloppy Joes (using zucchini and bell peppers)

HEALTHY JOES

3/4 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 medium red, yellow, or green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cups low-fat meatless spaghetti sauce*
1 medium zucchini, shredded
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon salt*
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split (for serving)
Alfalfa sprouts (optional, for serving)

In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and bell pepper over medium-high heat until meat is brown and onion is tender, about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place meat mixture in a colander and rinse under hot water. Drain well. Wipe skillet with a paper towel. Return meat mixture to skillet.

Stir in spaghetti sauce, zucchini, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

Spoon meat mixture onto buns. Top with alfalfa sprouts if desired.

Makes 4 servings

Nutritional analysis: Calories, 285; carbohydrate, 36 gms; protein, 26 gms; fat, 6 gms; cholesterol, 50 mgs; sodium, 663 mgs; and total calories from fat, 19 percent.

*To lower the amount of sodium, omit the salt and read the nutrition facts label on the low-fat meatless sauce, in can or jar. Buy the sauce lowest in sodium per serving.

Source: American Heart Association Quick and Easy Cookbook