• 3/4 lb. lean ground beef
• 2 Tbs. onion, chopped
• 1-1/2 quarts boiling water
• 1 package macaroni and cheese dinner
• 1/4 cup margarine or butter
• 3/4 cup milk, or skim milk
• 2 cups canned tomatoes, drained

In a heavy skillet over medium heat, brown the beef and onion. Set aside. In a saucepan, stir macaroni into boiling salted water. Boil rapidly 7 to 10 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Drain water. Add margarine or butter, half the milk and contents of sauce packet. Mix well. Add browned beef, onion, drained tomatoes and remaining milk. Heat if needed before serving.

Option: After adding beef, etc., to the macaroni, bake in the oven in a casserole dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This recipe serves 4 people. Due to the nature of this recipe, it adjusts the number of servings in multiples of 4 only.

Per serving: calories 464, fat 19.8g, 39% calories from fat, cholesterol 45mg, protein 28.3g, carbohydrates 42.3g, fiber 2.0g, sugar 10.5g, sodium 825mg, diet points 11.0.

Dietary Exchanges: Milk: 0.2, Vegetable: 1.2, Fruit: 0.0, Bread: 2.3, Lean meat: 2.5, Fat: 2.3, Sugar: 0.0, Very lean meat protein: 0.0

  view detailed nutritional information

The recommended wines are: Merlot, Beaujolais, or Zinfandel.