Crouton’s Cafeteria Chili Mac
Ditalini put me in charge of the kitchen last night, so I decided to indulge myself in some good old comfort food. We’ve both been away, things have been hectic and disorganized, and a simple one-dish hot meal seemed like just the thing. Remember the chili mac they served you in the school cafeteria? Here’s my version, something even the most backward, kitchen-averse husband can handle:
Crouton's Cafeteria Chili Mac
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5-6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- salt & pepper to taste
- green scallions, chopped, for garnish
- 1/2 lb pasta, your choice
Directions
Brown & crumble ground beef in large frying pan, drain, add onion & garlic. Add diced tomatoes with liquid. Add chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt & pepper. Mix well, cover and cook on low for 15 minutes. Stir in the uncooked pasta (the beef/tomato mixture should still have plenty of liquid; if not add some water), cover and continue to cook on low another 10 minutes. Check that the pasta is cooked, sprinkle with scallions, and serve. We like it with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
About Crouton deMenthe Amateur cook and barbecue fanatic. 
