Yummy Baked Chilli Mac

Just a yummy casserole I threw together with what I had on hand. It's creamy, hearty and a little spicy, just how a winter meal should be!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 12  ounces pasta (i use bowtie)
• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1  small onion
• 15  ounces  canned red beans, drained and rinsed (black beans work just as well)
• 16  ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2  teaspoons dried thyme
• 2  teaspoons  cajun seasoning
• 1  teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  tablespoon paprika
• 2  tablespoons chili powder
• 2  teaspoons cumin
•  salt and pepper
• 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta cheese

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375.
2. Cook pasta according to box, making sure not to over cook as it will continue cooking in oven.
3. In a large skillet cook meat until no longer pink. Drain. Return to heat.
4. Add onions to beef and cook about 6-7 minutes. Add beans and tomatoes, mix well.
5. Add the seasonings. (I sometimes add a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier version.) Simmer about ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Divide velveeta in half. Slice half the cheese into thin slices, cube the rest.
7. Add a small amout of meat mixture to cooked pasta and layer on the bottom of casserole dish. Top with cubed velveeta and give a quick stir.
8. Next add meat mixture. Top with sliced velveeta.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is slightly browned and edges are crispy.