This hearty dish makes an appearance at least once a month, usually more, at our dinner table. The recipe calls for hamburger, but my husband came up with the genius, though less healthy, idea of subbing in the oh-so-flavorful Kielbasa, and it’s fantastic! After it simmers on the stove-top, it bakes in the oven to bind the wonderful flavors.
With a homemade chili sauce base, meat, macaroni noodles, red beans, and a pile of cheese melting on top, what’s not to love? It’s perfection in a bowl!
Even my Kraft mac ‘n cheese-obsessed kids love this spin on the boxed version!
Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be hooked!
{BAKED CHILI RONI}
1 1/4 c. red beans
1 lb. ground beef (or the same amount of Kielbasa, like I use)
3/4 c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 quart hot water
1 can (16 oz.) tomato sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. chili powder
1 t. celery salt (if you don’t have any, substitute 1/4 t. salt and 3/4 t. celery seed)
1 t. salt
1 t. crushed oregano
1/4 t. pepper
2 c. elbow macaroni, uncooked
Soak and cook beans as directed. Drain and discard liquid. Or, grab your can and drain and rinse the beans. In a large saucepan, brown meat with onion and garlic. Add remaining ingredients, except macaroni. Heat meat sauce to boiling. Stir in macaroni. Cook, uncovered, 10 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Stir frequently. Add cooked beans, transfer to an oven-safe dish if needed, and cover with foil. Heat through in a 350 degree oven (about 20-25 minutes). Top each serving with grated cheese.
Enjoy!
Navin Menon says
Navin
www.monthlyfreebiez.blogspot.com
Sarah Larsen says
I just started my new "pinteresty" blog and I would love for you to follow me so that we can continue to share ideas!! :)
http://naptimenothings.blogspot.com/
Looking forward to more posts,
Sarah@
Naptime Nothings
Emily Thompson says
Emily
Carole says
nancy john says
lessons for kids