Taco Meatloaf Patties with Mexican Mac and Cheese

Taco Meatloaf Patties:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. ground beef

1 cup quick oats or breadcrumbs

1 tbsp. cumin

3 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup salsa

1 egg

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.  In a large bowl, combine ground beef, oats or breadcrumbs, seasoning, salsa, and egg.  Mix well with hands until thoroughly combined.

2.  Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Divide mixture into 6 to 8 uniformly sized oval patties.  Place in hot skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, until browned.  Flip patties, cook another 3 minutes.  Then reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and continue cooking until meat is fully cooked.  Once patties are fully cooked, sprinkle cheese on top.  Replace skillet cover until cheese is melted.

Mexican Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

1 lb. macaroni, fully cooked and drained

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar

salt to taste

1/3 – 1/3 cup salsa

Directions:

1.  Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Whisk in milk, bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened, stirring frequently.

2.  Remove from heat.  Add cheese and stir until completely melted.  Season to taste with salt.  Stir in salsa and noodles.