South of the Border Casserole

I threw this casserole together for dinner tonight. It was super easy and super tasty!
(Don't ya just love the pop of color the strawberries add? Aren't I just so fancy?! Um. Yeah right!)

Here is what you'll need:

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni
  
• 1/2 cup grated jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  
• 1 16 oz jar of Fire-Roasted Salsa (Trader Joes has a nice one!)
• 6 oz can of tomato paste
  
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
  
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin

Cook your macaroni al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse. While you pasta is cooking, warm up your oil in a large pan, add your garlic and saute for about a minute. Add your ground beef, brown and drain. Next, add the salsa, tomato paste, water and macaroni to your pan. Simmer for around 5 minutes to incorporate flavors. Dump the whole gosh darn concoction into a 11x7 (lightly oiled) baking dish. Top with cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Top with sour cream. Serve with a green salad.

~Yum!~

I agree, that is one sorry looking salad! I promise to do better next time!

:0)