Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole
8 Servings

1 pound small pasta (macaroni, medium shells, ziti, etc.)
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 15-ounce can black beans (recommend Bush's), drained and rinsed
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (fire roasted), drained
8 ounces grated cheese (Mexican 4-cheese or cheddar/mozzarella mix)
1 pound (16 ounces) salsa

Preheat the oven to 350°. Coat a 9x13” casserole with shortening or non-stick spray.

Cook the pasta until a minute or two shy of being al dente. It will cook further later on.

Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off the grease. Add the black beans and diced tomatoes and warm through. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine

Pour 1/2 of the meat mixture into the casserole dish. Layer 1/2 of the grated cheese, then 1/2 of the salsa. Repeat the process for the second layer.

Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with fresh, hot cornbread or warm flour tortillas