Kaylee in the Kitchen ~ Southwestern Casserole ~ 2/6/2021

My oldest daughter, Kaylee (19), has decided that she wants to take a turn cooking for the family.  She picked Saturdays to be "her" day and has been looking for recipes to create.  I think it is a wonderful idea for her to learn more about cooking and finding recipes that intrigue her is a great way to keep her interest.  I decided that I'd share her endeavors in a feature I'm calling "Kaylee in the Kitchen".

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For her first attempt, Kaylee decided to make Southwestern Casserole.  Her tastes have definitely expanded.  I was surprised that she wanted to make a recipe that called for chilis and jalapenos!

Kaylee did a great job with minimal help.  I think she had fun and everyone enjoyed the dish.

Southwestern Casserole

(2 casseroles = 6 servings each)

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 lbs ground beef

1 large chopped onion

2 minced garlic cloves

2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 (16 oz) can kidney beans (rinsed & drained)

1 (16 oz) can tomato paste

1(4oz) can drained chopped chilis

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

2 cups shredded cheese

2 jalapeno peppers (seeded & chopped)

~Cook the macroni

~While macaroni cooks:

    ~cook the beef & onion in a large saucepan over medium heat

    ~crumble beef until no longer pink

    ~add garlic and cook for a minute

    ~drain

    ~stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, green chilis, salt, chili powder, ground cumin, & pepper

    ~bring to a boil

    ~reduce heat and simmer uncover for 10 minutes

~Drain macaroni and stir into beef mixture

~Preheat oven to 375F and transfer macaroni mix into (2) two quart baking dishes

~Top with cheese & jalapenos.  Cover and bake for 30 minutes

~Uncover & bake until bubbly/heated through (10 minutes)

A close-up :)

Shawn (the boyfriend) and Kaylee enjoying her culinary experiment.

Enjoy!

Colletta & Kaylee