Southwestern Vegetarian Casserole

1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic
2 teaspoons olive oil
1-15 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
1-15 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1-15 oz. can corn, drained
1-15 oz. can pinto beans, drained
1-15 oz. can black beans, drained
egg noodles, cooked
Parmesan cheese

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until transparent. Add tomatoes, spices, corn and beans. Simmer on low heat 20 minutes. Serve on bed of egg noodles. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Store: Pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, noodles

Chili

2 cans Pinto beans*
1 can Black beans*
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup ketchup
1 cup water
1 lb. ground beef, lean, cooked**
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. dried minced onion
1 tsp. salt
pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and simmer 20 minutes.

*Can substitute dried beans, cooked
**Can substitute other meats: stew meat (cooked), or ground turkey (cooked).

Store: beans, diced tomatoes, ketchup, dried minced onion

Beef with Black Beans

1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies*
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can black beans, drained
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. each cumin, chili powder, oregano, and garlic powder
1 lb. beef stew meat

Combine all ingredients in the crock-pot. Mix well. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours (4-5 on high). Serve over hot rice or mashed potatoes.

*You can substitute 1 can diced tomatoes and 1 can diced green chilies.

Store: diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, black beans.

Shepherd's Pie

1 lb. lean ground beef, cooked (with onion, if desired) *
2 cups mashed potatoes, prepared **
1 can cut green beans, drained
1 can tomato soup, undiluted
1/2 cup cheese, shredded

In a casserole dish, mix together the ground beef, green beans, and tomato soup.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
Cover and bake 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Last five minutes sprinkle shredded cheese over top.

*Add diced onion and season as desired, i.e, salt, pepper, a little garlic powder or add dried minced onion to the soup mixture.

**Use fresh mashed potatoes, 1 cup potato pearls (prepared), or an envelope of IDAHOAN Mashed Potatoes-4 oz.(prepared).

***For added nutrition and variety, throw 1/2 - 1 cup of cooked black beans to the soup mixture. Or two cups to replace the ground beef and go meatless!

Store: canned green beans, tomato soup, black beans, mashed potatoes.

Taco Soup

1 lb. lean ground beef, crumbled and browned
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can black beans or kidney beans (I prefer the black)
1 can corn
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato soup
1 can water

Heat thoroughly and serve topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

Yummy and quick.

Store: tomato soup, diced tomatoes, canned corn, black or kidney beans, taco seasoning.

Easy Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups dry macaconi, boiled for ten minutes and drained.
Place in a baking dish.
Add: 1 can Cheddar Cheese soup and 1/4 c. milk.
Stir in: Shredded Cheddar Cheese as desired.
Add: Ham cubes or a few cooked black beans if desired or sprinkle with dried crumbs or crushed chips.
Bake: 350 degrees 25-30 minutes.

Store: macaroni, cheddar cheese soup, black beans, I like to freeze large bags of shredded cheese, and ham cubes.