Most of us always seem to be in a rush.  Our society makes lots of demands on our time.  Yet we want to feed our families good meals and not run thru the fast food drive-up windows too often.  Here are two recipes for a healthy, quick and easy meal that is just what we need.  The ground beef casserole is made in the microwave and the cooked apple topping over ice cream is a great dessert.  Add a salad and you have a complete meal for your family in a matter of minutes.

MICROWAVE GAUCHO CASSEROLE

1 lb lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 small bell pepper, chopped

1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced Mexican flavored tomatoes, do not drain

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1/4 cup water

1 envelope taco-seasoning mix

1 tsp chili powder

1 1/3 cup uncooked instant brown rice

1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

Crumble meat into an ungreased 2 1/2-quart microwave-safe dish.  Add onion and bell pepper, mixing well.  Cover and microwave on high for 6 minutes or until the meat is brown with no pink remaining, stirring every two minutes; drain well.  Stir in beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, taco seasoning, and chili powder.  Cover and microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes or until bubbly, stirring every couple of minutes.  Stir in rice. 

Transfer mixture to a shallow 2 1/2-quart microwave-safe dish, coated with nonstick cooking spray.  Cover and let stand for 6 to 8 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Cover and microwave on high 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

SAUTEED APPLES A LA MODE

4 large apples, sliced

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup sugar-free maple-flavored pancake syrup

sugar-free vanilla ice cream

In a skillet, combine apples, water, and syrup; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until apples are tender.  Place ice cream in serving dishes and ladle warm apple mixture over sugar-free vanilla ice cream.

Serves 6

Enjoy!