Shelly's Recipe

SOUTHWESTERN GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE

Category: Casseroles - Beef

1 lb small pasta (macaroni, medium shells, ziti, etc.)
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire roasted), drained
8 oz grated cheese (Mexican 4-cheese or cheddar/mozzarella mix)
1 (16 oz) jar favorite salsa

Preheat the oven to 350. Coat a 13xp inch casserole with shortening or non-stick spray.

Cook the pasta until a minute or two shy of being al dente. It will cook further later on.

Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off the grease. Add the black beans and diced tomatoes and warm through. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combi.ne

Pour 1/2 of the meat mixture into the casserole dish. Layer 1/2 of the grated cheese, then 1/2 of the salsa. Repeat the process for the second layer.

Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with fresh, hot cornbread or warm flour tortillas.

Serves 8