Healthy American Classics

American classics are rich and comforting, and also loaded with lots of fat and salt. Try these healthier versions and you'll be able to enjoy them more often!

Everyday Taco Salad

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound 95-96% lean beef
• 1/2 cup minces onions
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 cup commercially prepared hot or mild salsa
• 6 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 small tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 large avocado, diced
• 36 baked tortilla chips

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add in the chili powder, cumin, and coriander and sauté until beef is cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add in the salsa.
2. For each serving, top 3/4 cup of lettuce with some of the meat mixture, tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Serves 8. Serving size 3/4 cup. Preparation Time 10 minutes. Cook Time 7 minutes.

Nutrition Info:Calories 155; Total Fat 7.0 g; Total Carbohydrate 10 g

BBQ Beef Sandwiches

• 1/2 cup low-sodium ketchup
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 8 ounces lean sirloin steak, trimmed of excess fat
• 4 small whole -wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted

1. Bring the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, chili powder, mustard, and liquid smoke to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat an oven broiler. Add the steak to a foil-lined tray. Brush one side of the steak with the BBQ sauce and broil for about 5 minutes. Turn the steak over and brush with sauce. Broil 4-5 minutes or until desired doneness.
3. Remove the steak from the broiler or grill to a carving board and let rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the steak and place on each bun.

Serves 4. Serving size 1 sandwich. Preparation time 20 minutes. Cook time 10 minutes

Nutrition Info: Calories 235; Total Fat 4.5 g; Total Carbohydrate 35 g