CHILI BEEF STEW

1 1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1″ cubes
1 1/2 tablespoons butter OR margarine
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 can (1 lb) tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 can (1 lb) red kidney beans, drained
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

sprinkle beef cubes with salt and pepper; coat lightly with flour, shaking off excess. brown beef cubes, about 1/2 at a time, well on all sides in heated butter in a large frying pan or dutch oven, removing and reserving them as they brown. when all beef is browned, cook onion in same pan, stirring frequently until soft and lightly browned. return beef to pan; mix in garlic, salt, cumin, and chili powder. add tomatoes and their liquid. bring to boiling. cover, reduce heat and simmer.

4 servings

MACARONI & CHEESE

1-1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni (about 6 oz)
1/4 cup margarine OR butter
1 small onion, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cups milk
8 ounces swiss cheese, cut into cubes

cook macaroni; drain. cook and stir margarine, onion, salt and pepper over medium heat until onion is tender. blend in flour. cook over low heat, stirring constantly. boil and stir 1 minute. remove from heat. stir in cheese until melted. place macaroni in ungreased 1 1/2 qt casserole dish. stir cheese sauce into macaroni. cook, uncovered, in 375° oven for 30 minutes.

CONFETTI SCALLOPED POTATOES

1/2 cup butter OR margarine
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (16 oz) package frozen hash browns
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can milk
1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1 small green pepper, cut into strips
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento
dash pepper
1 cup cheese cracker crumbs, divided

in a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. saute onion until tender. stir in potatoes, soup and milk. add cheese, green pepper, pimiento, pepper and 1/2 cup of crumbs. pour into a shallow casserole dish; top with remaining crumbs. bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes.

6-8 servings