Yummy Chili

2 garlic cloves

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, diced

2 bell peppers, diced

1 tsp. oregano

1 Tbls. cumin

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 Tbls. chili powder

1 tsp. salt

8-oz. can of tomato sauce

1 can pinto beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can black beans

1 large can Rotel

1/4 C. masa (corn flour)

1. Brown the ground beef with the garlic

2. While that is browning, put the onion, peppers, spices, salt, tomato sauce, beans (including the liquid), and Rotel (including the liquid) into the crock pot.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the masa with 1/2 C. water (this ingredient helps thicken the chili and adds a great flavor).

4. Add the browned ground beef mixture to the crock pot when done.

5. Stir it all together, then stir in the masa mixture.

6. I cooked mine on low for about 8 hours, but I'm sure you could cook it on high for a shorter time as well.

Spaghetti Bake

This is a great one for when you want to take dinner to someone else.  It freezes well and cooks up very easily.

1 lb. hamburger
1 onion
1 clove garlic
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
4 oz. can mushrooms (drained)
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1-2 C mozzarella
1/3 C. parmesan
8 oz cooked spaghetti (I use whole wheat because it dominates regular pasta)

1.  Cook meat, onion, and garlic in electric skillet
2.  Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, and spices.
3.  Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 20-25 minutes.
4.  Preheat oven to 375
5.  Stir in cooked noodles
6.  In a greased 9x13 casserole dish, layer 1/2 spaghetti mixture, all mozzarella, other
      1/2 of spaghetti mixture, and sprinkle with parmesan
7.  Bake at 375 for 30 minutes