1/2 pound of ground beef (95% lean)
2 single serving packets microwaveable macaroni and cheese
3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 cup water
8 to 10 dill pickle slices (optional)

Directions:

1. Adult help needed: PLACE the ground beef in a small nonstick skillet. COOK over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is not pink, breaking it up into small crumbles. With a heat-safe slotted spoon, stir occasionally. CAREFUL! Pan will be very hot.
2. OPEN the macaroni packets using scissors. EMPTY contents of macaroni packets into a 1-quart microwave-safe bowl. (SET ASIDE the cheese sauce mix packets.)
3. ADD the water to the macaroni. STIR with a spoon.
4. Adult help needed: MICROWAVE, uncovered, on HIGH 4-1/2 to 5 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Careful! The bowl and macaroni will be very hot. Using pot holders, REMOVE the bowl from the microwave. Do NOT drain off the water.
5.OPEN the cheese sauce mix packets using scissors. ADD contents of the cheese sauce mix packets to the macaroni. STIR carefully with spoon to mix well.
6. LET the macaroni and cheese stand to let the sauce thicken.
7. REMOVE the beef from the skillet with the slotted spoon and ADD it to the macaroni and cheese. STIR carefully with spoon to mix well.
8. PLACE pickle slices on top.

Did you know? Cooking times can vary, depending on the power of your microwave oven.

Nutrition Information:

414 calories (164 from beef); 33 g protein; 38 g carbohydrate; 13 g fat; 645 mg sodium; 81 mg cholesterol; 9.2 mg niacin; 0.4 mg vitamin B6; 2.3 mg vitamin B12; 4.2 mg iron; 6.0 mg zinc.