Fresh takes on supper

Pick up some ground beef for fast, delicious meals.

This column is designed to simplify meal planning and preparation for our busy lives. Most of the recipes included each month are ready to serve in about 45 minutes. When they take longer, we offer make-ahead, time-saving tips.

Here we focus on an old standard-ground beef-but there's certainly nothing old or standard about these tasty dishes. Recipes from our readers offer quick, updated versions of a main dish salad, meat loaf, and soft tacos for your family's meals.

VICKI A. POELLNITZ

BEEF-AND-LIME RICE SALAD

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PREP: 15 MIN., COOK: 35 MIN.

This salad can be served right away or chilled and served cold.

1 pound lean ground beef

3 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 1/2 cups long grain rice

1 teaspoon grated lime rind

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Toppings: salsa, shredded Cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions, avocado slices

COOK beef in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Wipe pan clean.

ADD 3 cups water, salt, and cumin to saucepan. Bring to a boil, and add rice; cover, reduce heat, and cook 20 to 25 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Stir in beef, lime rind, and lime juice. Serve salad with desired toppings. TAMY WHITE

HARTWELL, GEORGIA

TERIYAKI MEAT LOAF

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PREP: 15 MIN., BAKE: 40 MIN.

To prepare ahead, combine the ingredients, and shape into a loaf the night before or in the morning. Remove from the refrigerator to stand while you heat the oven.

2/3 cup orange marmalade

3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, divided

2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 pound ground beef

1 cup soft breadcrumbs

1/2 cup finely chopped roasted peanuts

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1 large egg

Hot cooked rice or mashed potatoes

STIR together marmalade, 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, vinegar, and red pepper. Set aside.

COMBINE ground beef, next 6 ingredients, and remaining 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce. Shape into a 4- x 7-inch loaf.

BAKE at 350[degrees] in a 9-inch pan or baking dish for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and pour reserved marmalade mixture over meat; bake 8 to 10 more minutes or until done. Serve with hot cooked rice or mashed potatoes, and drizzle with pan juices, if desired.

ROXANNE CHAN

ALBANY, CALIFORNIA

TACOS WRAPIDOS

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PREP: 20 MIN., COOK: 20 MlN.

1 (4.3-ounce) package quick-cooking Spanish rice

1 pound lean ground beef

1 teaspoon fajita seasoning

4 (10-inch) flour tortillas

1 avocado, cut into 8 slices

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded lettuce

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

PREPARE rice according to package directions.

TOSS ground beef with fajita seasoning. Cook in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Stir in cooked rice.

SPREAD beef mixture evenly over 1 side of each tortilla. Top evenly with avocado slices, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Roll up. MARLA CLARK

MORIARTY, NEW MEXICO

RECIPE ROUNDUP

If you have some great "Quick & Easy" recipes that fit the 45 minutes or less criteria, please send them to us. You know, we're all in this together. Send your recipes and tips to "Quick & Easy" Editor, Southern Living, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2003
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