Mexi Ground Beef Chili Macaroni Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 -2 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes (optional or to taste, add in if you like spicy!)
• 2 (1 ounce) packages taco seasoning mix (you can use 1 package if desired, or use a single or double recipe of my Kittencal's Taco Seasoning Mix)
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 8 slices bacon (cooked till very crisp and chopped)
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 (10 ounce) cans tomato soup
• 1 -2 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• seasoning salt (can use white salt)
• pepper
• 3 cups cooked macaroni (can use less, cook the macaroni to JUST firm-tender)
• 4 cups shredded tex-mex cheese, divided (or to taste or cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese)

1. In a large skillet brown the beef with dried chili flakes, onion, garlic and the green pepper until the beef is no longer pink (about 10-12 minutes, make sure the beef is well browned) drain any fat.
2. Add in taco seasoning mix with Parmesan cheese; mix to combine and cook 1 minute.
3. Add in the cooked chopped bacon, tomato sauce, 2 cans tomato soup and brown sugar (if using); simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with seasoning salt and pepper and mix in 2 cups shredded Tex-Mex or cheddar cheese.
5. Add in the cooked macaroni pasta; mix to combine.
6. Set oven to 350 degrees F.
7. Grease a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish (or larger).
8. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
9. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, then about 2 cups (or more)grated Tex-Mex or cheddar cheese.
10. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese has melted.
11. Delicious!

ground beef, fresh garlic, onion, green bell pepper, chili pepper, taco seasoning mix, parmesan cheese, bacon, tomato sauce, tomato soup, brown sugar, salt, pepper, macaroni, cheese

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/mexi-ground-beef-chili-macaroni-casserole-150046 (may not work)