Phase 1

Serves 4 | Prep time: 20 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

 Ingredients

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 4 teaspoons Creole seasoning, divided**
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 15-ounce can kidney or small red beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onion

Creole spice blend

**Commercial spice blends include MSG, soy, and dextrose — so use your own spice blend instead:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the Creole seasoning until just browned, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the onion, celery, pepper, optional jalapeño, and another 1 1/2 teaspoons of the Creole seasoning and cook and stir until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Add the broth, stir to scrape up any browned bits, and cook until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the beans and heat through.
4. Meanwhile, toss the warmed rice with the remaining 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning. Stir the parsley or green onion into the beef and bean mixture, and serve over rice.