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Well now, this here’s a dish that’ll warm your belly and please the folks at your table. I was just poking around the pantry one afternoon, wondering what to fix, and wouldn’t you know it, these few simple things came together just right. Ground beef, some noodles, chili beans, and a bit of cheese. It don’t take much, but mercy, it sure does taste good. The crock pot does all the work while you get other things done.
This one’s quick, easy, and mighty filling. A fine supper for busy days or when you’ve got company coming and want something easy that still tastes homemade.
You’ll Need:
- 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 cup dry macaroni, cooked just shy of done
- 1 can (15 oz) mild chili beans, juice and all
- 1 can (10.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tools You’ll Use
- Medium pot
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer
- 4- or 6-quart crockpot
How to Make It:
- Brown the Beef
First off, brown your ground beef in a skillet. Drain off the grease. - Cook the Macaroni
Boil your macaroni in salted water until just al dente, not mushy. Drain and set aside. - Mix Everything Together
In your 4-quart crock pot, stir together the beef, macaroni, chili beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and garlic salt. Stir it up good. - Add the Cheese
Sprinkle your shredded cheese over the top. Don’t stir it in. Just let it melt down nice. - Let It Cook
Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours or high for 1 to 1½ hours. If your crock pot don’t heat even, give the insert a turn halfway through.
A Few Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t overcook your noodles. They’ll finish up in the crock.
- Use sharp cheddar if you’ve got it. Gives a better bite.
- If your crock pot cooks hotter on one side, give it a turn halfway through.
- Serve with a pickle spear and some bread if you’ve got it. Or a little coleslaw.
Handy Info
Makes 4 to 6 servings. About 323 calories a serving, with a good bit of protein and not too much fat.
Now sugar, these numbers are just guesses. Depends what brand you use and how big your portions are. Always use your own best judgment if you’re watching your diet.
