12.15.10 Wayne's Beef Macaroni and Cheese

I made dinner tonight using a recipe my friend, Angie, gave me.  It is Beefy Mac and Cheese and was DELICIOUS!  I only made 1/2 the recipe below and we ate it for 3 days.  We don't usually eat left overs, so that tells you how good it was.  We ate every bite.

Ingredients:
1-pound box elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups chopped green bell pepper
2 cups chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 pounds lean ground beef
3 cups canned crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon each dried basil, ground cumin, and dried oregano
2 to 3 cups grated Cheddar


Directions:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.


Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a skillet; add the peppers, onion, and garlic, and saute until soft. Add the ground beef and saute until browned. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper, to taste, and the basil, cumin, and oregano. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni and the beef mixture. Spread this mixture into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Top with the cheese and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.


Cook's Note: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef, if desired.