Hamburger Casserole

Here is a budget meal that has a fair bit of diversity in it. I like to make this at the end of the week and toss in leftover vegetables such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, celery, wax beans, corn, olives (black or green), etc. You can also use frozen vegetables if you wish. Feel free to substitute the vegetables in this recipe for 1-1/2 to 2 cups vegetables of your choice.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 5

Ingredients

• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1  large onion, diced
• 1 -2  garlic clove, minced
• 1  green bell pepper, diced
• 2  celery ribs, diced
• 1 1⁄2 cups tomato juice
• 28  ounces stewed tomatoes
• 8 -10  ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2  teaspooon salt
•  parmesan cheese or  romano cheese, grated

Directions

1. Heat a large non-stick pan, add hamburger and brown, draining off excess fat. Add onions and garlic and cook until onion becomes soft. Add bell pepper and celery and cook for another 2 minutes.
2. Add tomatos, water, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Add macaroni and reduce heat, simmering until macaroni is tender, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
3. Add to bowls, top with grated cheese and serve.
4. Note: If you prefer celery more tender then add with the onions and garlic.