GROUND BEEF AND CHEESE CASSEROLE

A favorite recipe of ground beef, macaroni, garlic, stewed tomatoes, butter, onion, and other seasonings, layered with cheddar cheese.

Ingredients:

•  8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked 
•  1/4 cup chopped onion 
•  1 clove garlic, minced 
•  1/4 cup butter 
•  1/2 teaspoon pepper 
•  1 pound ground beef 
•  1 medium bay leaf 
•  1 can (14.5) ounces stewed tomatoes (I use diced tomatoes with sweet onions) 
•  2 cups shredded cheddar cheese  (I use more) 
• Seasonings of your choice.  I use Mickey and T's All American seasoning. 

Preparation:

Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions. 
In a large saucepan, combine seasonings, onion, garlic, butter, pepper, ground beef, bay leaf, and  tomatoes. Don't strain the tomatoes.  
Cook slowly for 20 minutes; stir in 1 1/2 cups of the Cheddar cheese. Spoon about half of the macaroni into a buttered 2-quart casserole. Top with cooked meat mixture then remaining macaroni and reserved cheese. Bake beef macaroni casserole, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes.
Beef Macaroni Casserole serves 6.

Total Time: 50 minutes