Friday, February 5, 2021

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

5 comments:

  1. Yum...that looks so good, thank you for sharing. Have a beautiful weekend. smiles

    ReplyDelete
  2. That looks so good!! Just to clarify...the jalapeno is raw/fresh, not the pickled slices in a jar that one serves on nachos?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can use either one. We had both on hand but my daughter chose to use the jarred jalapenos this time as it was easier :)

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  3. Mmmm all those jalapeños have my mouth watering, this looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete

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