• Experiment! The newer meatless burgers are tastier and "meatier" than their mealy ancestors. Hint: try Gardenburger Hamburger Style Low Fat or Fat Free pre-baked patties.
• Making chili? Decrease the meat called for in your recipe, and add more beans, onions, tomatoes and green peppers. Reduce the size of meat portions. Add extra vegetables, bread, or noodles to round out your meal.
• Make a quick and easy tostado by spreading fat-free refried beans on a corn or flour tortilla. Pop in the microwave for 10-20 seconds and add chopped onions, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa. Kids love tostados, too!
• Saut portabello mushrooms with a bit of olive oil and garlic in a nonstick skillet. Serve in pita bread with shredded lettuce and sliced olives. A yummy sandwich—and you won't miss the meat.
• Substitute Green Giant Harvest Burgers for cooked ground beef in spaghetti sauce, lasagna and casseroles.
• When making beans and rice, don't add the sausage or other meat that may be called for in the recipe.
• Add canned, rinsed beans to your salad bowl to make a side salad a main dish. With crackers and a dessert of fresh or canned fruit, you’ve got a balanced meal.

P.S. Don't tell your family they're munching on a meat substitute…chances are they'll never know!
Veggie-friendly recipes

Try the following recipes from the Baptist Healthy Recipes page:

Peasants' Salad Pita Pockets

Easy Eggplant Parmesan

Penne & Cannellini Bean Casserole with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Braised Vegetable Medley

Pinto Bean Quesadillas