Cheap Eats

Chili-mac is one of the most perfect dinners.  Easy to make. Filling. Nutritious. Makes great leftovers. My chili-mac is the kind that is never the same twice, but tonight it came out good . . . according to the critics that is.

My basic recipe starts with about 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef.  Season and brown with at least 1 chopped onion.  Next add a large can of diced tomatoes with juice and a large can of tomato sauce.  Stir in two can of beans, drained and rinsed, either black, red or kidney.  Season with lots of salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder and a little cumin.  Add cooked macaroni and you are all set.  This is a true 30 minute meal!  

My variations have included using chicken instead of ground beef or adding corn with the beans.  Both are ways are equally delicious.

Finally, we always like to have toppings like shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese or  sour cream.

Your budget should say thank you for this one. About $5 for the ground beef. 1 onion is maybe a quarter. 4 cans of beans/tomatoes for an average of 75 cents each. 1 box of macaroni is $1.50 for the kind I like.  Equaling about $9.75. Not bad!