Beefy Macaroni Skillet (AKA chop suey)

7 POINTS® per serving
Makes 6 servings

1 Pound Ground Beef
1 Onion, diced
1 28 oz can of tomatoes
1 can of Tomato sauce
2 Cups water
2 Cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
½ Pound Cheese, shredded, optional. Recommend reduced fat cheese

In a skillet, cook ground beef and onions until browned. Stir in remaining ingredients and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes until macaroni is tender. Top with shredded cheese and serve.

Fajita Pork and Pasta

8 POINTS per serving
Makes 4 servings

1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste (for cooking pasta)
6 oz uncooked whole-wheat penne pasta
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
6 Tbsp fresh lime juice, divided
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 pound lean pork tenderloin, thinly sliced*
1 medium yellow pepper(s), sliced into thin strips
1 medium sweet red pepper(s), sliced into thin strips
1 medium green pepper(s), sliced into thin strips
1/3 cup carrot(s), thickly shredded
1 medium onion(s), cut into thin wedges
4 oz canned green chili peppers, mild, drained, chopped
1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced

Cook pasta in salted water as directed on package; drain, set aside and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, cumin, chili powder and garlic powder; mix well. Add pork and toss to coat.

Heat remaining tablespoon of oil in a 12-inch (or larger) nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork mixture; cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add sliced peppers, carrot, onion and chili peppers; cook, stirring, until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in zucchini and remaining 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of lime juice; cover and cook for 2 minutes.

Spoon pork and vegetable mixture into a large serving bowl. Add cooked pasta; stir gently to mix and coat. Yields about 2 1/2 cups per serving.