Family-Favourite Cheeseburger Pasta

I thought I would do one more post before I let the pre-trip madness take over. The kids and I are driving out to BC (namely Vancouver Island, and yes, there is an island off the coast of Vancouver, a rather large Island!) .Rob's Mom will also be coming with us and then flying back a week later. I am hoping to do it all in one shot (no overnight stays).

Yes, I can hear all you young Mother's chuckling...
Naive? Perhaps... Crazy? Very likely... Determined? Most definitely!!!

Then Rob will fly in the following week, we will all be on Vancouver Island for one week. Then we will start making our way home, staying a few nights in Kelowna. We are really looking forward to it. Minus the whole driving bit that is! But who knows, maybe our kids will be the ones that everyone talks about..."Oh, don't you know? Kids just sleep in the car on long road trips."
Hm Mmm. Cute.

So I thought I'd quickly post this recipe, as it was shockingly good and so simple. We were eating it and I was like, "It tastes just like a Burger King burger." Rob was like, "Yes, yes, it does!" So if you like easy and Burger King, give it a try.

Family-Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta
Taste of Home - Healthy Cooking
Raquel Haggard - Edmond, OK

Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes. Yields: 4 Servings.

1.5 C Uncooked Whole Wheat Penne Pasta
3/4 lb. lean ground beef
2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
1 Can (14.5 oz) No-Salt-Added Diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp. Dill Pickle relish
2 Tbsp. Prepared Mustard
2 Tbsp. Ketchup
1 Tsp. Steak seasoning
1/4 Tsp. Seasoned salt
3/4 C. Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Garnish with chopped green onion (Optional)

Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beed and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain off fat. Drain pasta; add to meat mixture.
2. Stir in the tomatoes, relish, mustard, ketchup, steak seasoning, and seasoned salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes.
3Sprinkle with cheese. Remove from heat; cover and let stand until cheese is melted. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts:
1.5 C Serving Equals:
391 calories
12 g fat (6g saturated fat)
57 mg cholesterol
759 mg sodium
43 g carbs
4 g fiber
28 g protein


*Its funny when you actually read the directions! I know I was on the phone when I was making this and totally not paying attention! Oh well, it still turned out great. But I doubled the recipe (for lunch leftovers). I didn't combine the noodles and meat mixture until serving it. I didn't use seasoning salt (it didn't need it). I used M&M Steak Spice. I garnished with the green onion and cheese when I served it. Turned out great!

Enjoy! And I hope to do some posts from V.I.
Until then...