• 1 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3-2/3 cups recipe-ready crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1-1/2 tsp. Italian herb seasoning
• 1 lb. frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/3 cup pastina or alphabet pasta
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Season meat with salt and pepper to taste and add to pan. Sauté about 5 minutes, stirring, until browned. Add garlic and cook another minute. Stir in tomatoes and next 5 ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook 5-7 minutes, until pasta and vegetables are tender. Stir in parsley and cheese before serving.

Per serving: calories 485, fat 25.2g, 46% calories from fat, cholesterol 82mg, protein 31.6g, carbohydrates 35.6g, fiber 7.9g, sugar 10.2g, sodium 923mg, diet points 10.7.

Dietary Exchanges: Milk: 0.0, Vegetable: 2.0, Fruit: 0.0, Bread: 1.6, Lean meat: 3.3, Fat: 3.0, Sugar: 0.0, Very lean meat protein: 0.0

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The recommended wines are: Fumé Blanc, Chianti, or Beaujolais.