Easy Taco Chili Salad

Meat Preparation

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon Epicure Selections Minced Garlic
1 1/2 teaspoon Epicure Selections Taco Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Epicure Selections Chipolte Chili
1 - 540 ml can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 - 796 ml can diced tomatoes
1 - 156 ml can tomato paste
tortilla chips

In a large to medium saucepan, brown beef and onion drain off liquid. Add remaining ingredients. Stir together well. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

Prepare Epicure Selections Italian or Classic Vinaigrette according to label directions. Set aside. Prepare Epicure Selections Guacamole Dip Mix according to package directions.

Make your favorite green salad. On a large plate, place salad and tortilla chips. Place Taco Chili over chips add grated cheese if desired. Serve additional chips, guacamole, your favorite Epicure Selections Salsa (prepared) on the side.

Serves 4 -6

Baked Pasta with Meat, Cheese and Tomatoes

1 pound of lean ground beef
I large can diced tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 pound of tube pasta
1 teaspoon Epicure Selections Minced Garlic
1 tablespoons of Epicure Selections Seasoning for Italian Meatballs
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoon all purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, set aside.

In a medium skillet, brown ground beef, drain off liquid. Add, onion, pepper, celery, mushrooms, garlic, seasoning for meatballs, stir well. Cook until onions soften.

Place meat mixture in a 10" x 13" oven proof casserole dish. Top with tomatoes and cooked pasta. Set aside.

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat melt butter, stir in flour to form a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in milk. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted. Pour over meat and pasta. Stir it all together until all the pasta is well coated and well mixed together. Top with additional grated cheese if desired. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 35 minutes, until bubbly. Makes 6 - 8 servings. Serve with Salad and crusty bread.

Quick Chocolate Pudding

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon corn starch
1/4 cup Epicure Selections Pure Cocoa
1/4 cup water
1 1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon Epicure Selections Pure Vanilla Extract

Whisk sugar, cornstarch and cocoa in a medium sauce pan or Epicure Selection's Multi-Pot. Stir in water to make a thin, smooth paste. Add milk, stir until well combined. bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla extract. pour into 4 serving dishes, cover and chill.

A great treat for summer days - freeze in Popsicle molds and enjoy frozen.