Macaroni Creole

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 sweet pepper, chopped
• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 1 (20 oz.) can tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 cups butter beans, drained thoroughly
• 2 cups cooked macaroni
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)

Directions:

In a large skillet, saute the onion, garlic, and pepper in bacon fat. When the onion is translucent, add the ground meat, breaking it up as you cook it, and brown it well. Add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer 15 minutes, or until heated through and cooked down until it isn't soupy.

Source: Many years ago, my mother, Vicy, found this recipe on, of all places, a matchbook! It became a family favorite. I often add in more veggies, like sliced zucchini. It really stretches the ground beef, though I've also been know to add in a whole pound.

By Free2B from North Royalton, OH