TEXAS STYLE BEEF AND PASTA CASSEROLE..CHUCK WAGON RECIPE

Saddle up and enjoy a great sauce laden beef and creamy pasta casserole!!


Feeds 6

1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic smashed and minced
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2tbsp vegetable oil

heat the oil and then saute the vegetables for 15 mins, just to sweat down and color slightly and add:

1 pound coarse grind, lean beef
Brown the meat with the vegetables then add
2 tsp dried oregano
1 cup bottled of beer
1 x15oz chopped peeled tomatoes
1 tsp crushed pepper flakes or chili powder
simmer for 20 mins.  check seasoning adding salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.

Cook 1 pound elbow macaroni in boiling salted water  until al dente, drain and cool.

 PREHEAT OVEN 375F MIDDLE SHELF
Mash together to blend:
8 ozs softened cream cheese
4 ozs thick sour cream

In  a  greased deep casserole dish layer in the following order:
cooked noodles
meat in sauce
cream cheese mix

top with
1 cup crushed cracker crumbs  ( saltines, Ritz crackers etc.)
1 cup grated cheese ( optional)

Bake on a lined cookie sheet for 45 mins until golden and bubbly.

Remove from oven and wait 10 mins for contents to settle before serving

VARIATIONS 
substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef
add red peppers in place of green
also add any extra cooked vegetables of choice.