by Rex Trulove

Created on: August 03, 2008   Last Updated: June 18, 2010

It is really hard when you are always on the go, to create a fast, good tasting, satisfying meal for the family. Nearly everyone at times has this problem.

Ease to cook is an important facet. Expense is, too. It is a simple matter to buy a TV dinner or something that will take only minutes to cook in a microwave. For the amount of food and how healthy the product is, though, these are poor substitutes for a good, quick and easy dinner. They are certainly quick and easy, but if that is all you want and don't care about anything else, you could do the same by just stopping at a fast food restaurant on your way home from work.

For a lot of people, this isn't acceptable. They want something that doesn't take a lot of effort or time, but that is both healthy and that tastes good, and that fills the belly. Thankfully, there is a dinner that fits all of these things.

This recipe is one that will fill people up, it is healthy, and it is both quick and easy to make. Surprisingly, as simple as it is, there are seldom leftovers.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef, preferably lean (ground venison, buffalo, or elk will also work well)
2 boxes of 'Rice-a-roni' or comparable generic brand, flavor of your choice
1 can Italian stewed tomatoes
1 diced onion (optional)

Brown the ground meat over medium heat, and while it is browning, cook the rice dish per package instructions. (If the onion is used, add it to the meat so it gets browned and tender too.) Both meat and rice should get done at about the same time.

Mix the ground meat with the rice and add the stewed tomatoes. Stir well and serve.

You can add sliced mushrooms, sliced olives, or seasoning to change the flavor, and grated cheese over the top can make a great taste treat. Fresh tomatoes in wedges can be added instead of the stewed tomatoes. This is one recipe that is very easy to change for your individual tastes.

Suggestions for spices include oregano, thyme, basil, and crushed garlic, and these will each change the flavor slightly so the dish doesn't need to taste the same twice.

Great side dishes that can be prepared while the meal is cooking include a crisp green salad, green beans, or corn. Since this is a filling meal, the best desserts are light ones, such as fresh cut fruit. Again, all of these are fast and easy. They are also quite healthy.

This meal takes very little time, but it is healthy and good tasting. Best of all, it makes a hit with many people, including children. Give this recipe a try and see what you think. Is this a quick and easy dinner, or what?

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