Tex-Mex "Hamburger Helper"

Over the last couple of days I have had the opportunity to give some other mamas a bit of advice on switching out some of their current ingredients for meals and snacks for more of an all natural form. It's been very cool for since this is something that I grow more passionate about as time passes. When I needed to use up the rest of our taco meat, my mind went to these mamas who mentioned box foods in their pantry and that maybe a homemade version would be a welcomed meal on their family's table as they switch out and make changes. Pretty cool! Pretty fun! 

Ingredients:

olive oil

1/2 onion- finely diced

1 bell pepper - diced
2 cloves of garlic- minced finely or grated on a zester

1 pound of ground beef- or ground turkey or even diced chicken breast.

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp pepper

1 TBSP cumin

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp paprika
1 tsp of red pepper flakes -  optional

1 box of whole wheat pasta of your choice
1 1/2 cup of salsa

1/2 can of roasted tomatoes with chipotle peppers- optional if you can find them

sharp cheddar cheese
chopped cilantro
guacamole 

Boil pasta, in salted water, for 5 minutes and turn off the heat. Saute the onion for a few minutes and add in the bell pepper and garlic. Add in the ground beef and season everything with the seasonings listed and cook thoroughly. Remove the pasta from the water with a slotted spoon, reserving the water for later use. Stir to combine the pasta and flavors. Taste for flavoring and add more of the seasonings if needed. Top with your favorite Mexican toppings and enjoy!