Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
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1 onion, chopped
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1 -2 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes (optional or to taste, add in if you like spicy!)
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1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
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8 slices bacon (cooked till very crisp and chopped)
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1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
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2 (10 ounce) cans tomato soup
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1 -2 tablespoon brown sugar
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seasoning salt (can use white salt)
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pepper
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3 cups cooked macaroni (can use less, cook the macaroni to JUST firm-tender)
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4 cups shredded tex-mex cheese, divided (or to taste or cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese)
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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2 (1 ounce) packages taco seasoning mix (you can use 1 package if desired, or use a single or double recipe of my Kittencal's Taco Seasoning Mix)
Instructions
- In a large skillet brown the beef with dried chili flakes, onion, garlic and the green pepper until the beef is no longer pink (about 10-12 minutes, make sure the beef is well browned) drain any fat.
- Add in taco seasoning mix with Parmesan cheese; mix to combine and cook 1 minute.
- Add in the cooked chopped bacon, tomato sauce, 2 cans tomato soup and brown sugar (if using); simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with seasoning salt and pepper and mix in 2 cups shredded Tex-Mex or cheddar cheese.
- Add in the cooked macaroni pasta; mix to combine.
- Set oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish (or larger).
- Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, then about 2 cups (or more)grated Tex-Mex or cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese has melted.
- Delicious!