Busy Day Chili Mac Casserole

We had a very full afternoon and I had to throw something quick and easy together for dinner. This fit the bill perfectly.

This is what we were busy doing. It was the perfect day for a little fun at the park. We also hiked down to the river with our Lab and she got to play with some of the other doggies. Wouldn't you know it, I had left my camera in the car and didn't get any pictures of that part of our day. The sculpture my son is laying on has been in the park for decades and I have overheard parents telling their children how they played on the sculpture when they were little.

Here is the recipe:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 3/4 lb of lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1-2 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
• 1 15 oz can of vegetarian chili or 1 can of kidney bean, drained
• 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips
• 1 cup sharp cheddar or jack cheese
  

Cook macaroni until al dente. Heat the olive oil and add the garlic. Cook for a minute and then add the ground beef. As the beef is browning add the chili powder oregano, salt and pepper. Next, add the tomato sauce and can of chili or beans. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Pour into a baking dish and top with chips and cheese.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. This has a nice crisp crust on top and gooey goodness inside. Garnish with sour cream. hot sauce and fresh cilantro. I actually mixed up a little of that pink sauce I mentioned a couple of days ago and put it on top of mine in place of the sour cream.

Nothing fancy here, just a hearty dish for a busy day. My daughter loves this casserole. My son doesn't love much of anything so he actually ate a PB and Honey Sandwich.

I hope you all are having a summer full of fun!

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~Enjoy~