Macaroni can be a healthy side dish

HUNTINGTON -- This recipe for baked macaroni serves six people and is considered to be a healthy carb that's high in fiber and low in sodium.

Ingredients needed are: 1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef, about 1/2 cup diced onion, one box (or seven ounces) whole-wheat elbow macaroni, one jar (or 15 ounces) reduced-sodium spaghetti sauce, and six tablespoons Parmesan cheese.

This recipe includes 290 calories per serving, with 15 grams of protein, 94 milligrams of sodium, 33 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, 11 grams of fat, 200 milligrams of potassium, and 80 milligrams of calcium.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.

In a nonstick frying pan, cook ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain well.

Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes, or according to the package directions. Drain.

Add the cooked pasta and spaghetti sauce to the meat and onions. Stir to mix evenly. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake until bubbly, about 25 to 35 minutes.

Divide the spaghetti among individual plates. Sprinkle each with one tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Serve.

Send your recipes or other health advice to lwilcox@herald-dispatch.com.