LOVE NOTE #104: A Quickie - Beef and Rice with Asparagus

An easy satisfying dish that can be cooked up and served in no time! Although ground beef was used, try substituting this with ground turkey or ground chicken for a healthier version!

Ingredients (rice & beef):

• 2.5 cups cooked white/brown rice
• 1 lb. ground beef
• salt
• pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Smart Beat Oil (blend of soybean, olive, and canola oils)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 red wine (optional)

Directions:

• pre-heat a skillet with the 1 T of Smart Beat Oil on medium heat
• mince the garlic and add to the skillet - stir until golden
• add the ground beef to the skillet and add the red wine; cook until the red wine is absorbed/reduced
• season to taste with salt and pepper
• add rice and combine with the ground beef until mixed

Asparagus Side:

• 10 stalks of aspargus
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1/8 cup of water or 1/8 cup white wine (everything in wine is divine! Yummy!)
• salt & pepper
• 1 clove minced garlic

Directions:

• Cut the asparagus stalks into 1/3's
• in a separate pre-heated pan put the 1 teaspoon butter and garlic - cook until golden
• add the white wine or water then add the asparagus
• cook on medium for 5 minutes with the pan covered with a lid
• season with salt and pepper to taste

To lower the fat content, substitute butter dishes with olive oil or just steam the asparagus! I much prefer that hint of butter because it just tastes sooooo delicious! However, I do like to steam these and just spray it with Olivio on the asparagus as well. Either way, it's a great way to keep your meal balanced and keep your dish from looking like it's all in one color family;)

Until the next LOVE NOTE...

Love,

Marikym