5 Reasons Why Lean Beef is a Complementary First Food and Family Food
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends including meat, such as lean beef, as an early solid food in an infant’s diet.
- Lean beef contains 10 essential nutrients to fuel a child’s early growth and development.
- Infants and toddlers need the nutrients found in lean beef, including protein, zinc and iron, to support brain health and optimal cognitive development.
- Zinc and iron play an important role in an infant’s developing immune system.
- Introducing a variety of flavors and textures from all food groups, including meats like lean beef, encourages infants to accept the taste of healthy foods as they grow older.
Sweet Sloppy Joes
Serves 4
All you need:
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 cup small diced bell peppers 1/4 to 1/2 inch (red, green, yellow or orange)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup golden raisins, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ancho chile powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split
- Toppings (optional): chopped mango, chopped tomato, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheddar cheese
All you do:
- Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, bell pepper and onion; cook 8-10 minutes, breaking beef into 1/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove drippings.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, raisins, ancho chile powder and oregano; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15 to 18 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Evenly divide beef mixture on the bottom half of each bun. Garnish with toppings, as desired; close sandwiches.
Source: Hy-Vee Dietitians
Nutrition per serving using 93% lean ground beef: 397 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat, 4g monounsaturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate, 5.9g fiber, 28g protein, 9.7mg niacin, 0.6mg vitamin B6, 2.8mcg vitamin B12, 5.4mg iron, 40.3mcg selenium, 6.7mg zinc, 105.4mg choline.
This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advise.
