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Chili-Macaroni Casserole

Created by CouponGoddess on September 30, 2015

1/2 pound dry elbow macaroni (cooked for 1 minute less than the package recommends)
1 pound lean ground beef
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped (or two small yellow onions)
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step 1: Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2: Cook pasta for one minute less than package directions.
Step 3: In a large non-stick skillet, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef. Break it into small pieces as it’s cooking. When it’s done, remove any excess fat from the pan. Set aside the meat for now.
Step 4: To the same pan, add 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and jalapeno pepper until softened, then add in garlic and cook for a couple of minutes more. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Slowly stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and brown sugar.
Step 5: Add the meat back in. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes.
Step 6: Combine the sauce and meat mixture with the cooked pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup of co-jack cheese.
Step 7: Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Top with remaining two cups of cheese. Cover with foil and bake for about 35 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the foil and cook for 10 minutes longer, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with green onion for garnish, and Fritos if you’d like.