Growing up, my family's schedule seemed to revolve around mealtime. I have to attribute my love for home cooked food to my mother. She didn't believe in cereal and made us breakfast every morning. I think that deserves some kind of award. Pancakes were my favorite breakfast growing up and my mom made hers from scratch. To be honest, I didn't know you could buy pancake mix at the store until I went to college. I don't claim to be a fabulous cook. I just wanted a place to keep and share all the recipes I love.
My family all came together in the evenings to eat dinner. It was at this time that relationships were built and strengthened. I believe that family dinner is an important tool for cultivating love and strengthening the family. This is why I cook. This is why I share.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Southwest Skillet Ragu

  • 1-1.5 lbs. ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 red (green, yellow, or orange) pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 container mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 28oz. can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. salt, plus additional to taste
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup water (as needed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  1. Heat a tsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet that will be deep enough to hold everything. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
  2. Stir in the onions and mushrooms, and cook until the onions are soft and slightly tranlsucent. Add the peppers, spices and salt, and continue to saute until vegetables are mostly cooked.
  3. Add tomatoes with their juices and bring to a boil. Add the pasta. Let the water come back to a boil and then reduce the heat. Allow everything to simmer about 10 minutes until the pasta isel dente and the veggies are cooked through. (If it looks like the liquid is gone before the pasta is cooked, add the 1/2 cup of water.)
  4. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and stir until the cheese is melted and gooey. Spoon into individual bowls and serve!