Beef and Macaroni Chili ( With Optional Microwave Directions)

This is an inexpensive and quick family meal. The amount and type of cheese is to your taste...I just took a guess at the amount. The beef and seasonings cook in the time it takes to boil the macaroni, they are mixed together, cooked briefly, and served from the pan.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 1 1/4 cup

Ingredients

• 1  cup macaroni
• 12  ounces lean ground beef
• 2  minced garlic cloves
• 2  teaspoons chili powder
• 1  teaspoon cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
•  salt and pepper, to taste
• 10  ounces  condensed tomato soup, optional 1 can low calorie
• 2  ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

Directions

1. Stove Top Directions :
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
3. Brown meat in skillet and drain off all fat.
4. Add garlic, chile powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper.
5. Mix well and cook on low heat, about 5 minutes.
6. Add cooked macaroni and condensed tomato soup.
7. Heat thoroughly.
8. Just before serving, add grated cheese, cover skillet and heat until cheese is melted.
9. Optional Microwave Directions:
10. Place macaroni in deep microwave dish (I use an 8 cup glass measuring bowl with handle), and cover with ample boiling water (guesstimate, 4 cups).
11. Microwave, uncovered, on high for about 5 minutes. Test for doneness, and cook longer if required until soft. Drain.
12. Place ground beef in a plastic, food safe colander over a pie plate and microwave on high, stirring occasionally to break up, for about 2-3 minutes, or until all pink is gone. Discard fat.
13. Mix all ingredients, except cheese, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes.
14. Just before serving, add cheese and melt on high for 3-4 minutes.