Frugal Mac – Perfect Use for Leftover Meat

The other day, I was looking for a quick chili-type dish but wanted to use what I had on hand, which wasn’t much since I was going to the grocery the next day. I came up with Frugal Mac because it was very similar to Chili Mac but cost just a few cents per serving. This dish was about $3.50 for the entire pot and lasted several meals and snacks.

I assembled this dish without a recipe so I cannot give you exact amounts. Just add a little of the spices at a time until it smells/ tastes right to you.

Sauteeing the veggies and meat

Ingredients:

1 lb or more elbow macaroni – I used almost 2 lbs

1 can undrained diced tomatoes – I used the “chili ready” variety.

1 small can tomato sauce

2 cans beans – I used one can kidney beans and one can chili beans

Left over meat – I used about 3 slices of pork tenderloin and some meatballs, chopped into smaller pieces.

green pepper, onion, celery – 1 each, chopped or sliced

cumin

chili powder

2 Tablespoons butter

Directions:

Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, but do not cook all the way through. Set aside.

Saute green pepper, onion, celery in a little bit of olive oil. When the vegetables start to become tender, add meat.

When meat is warm and vegetables are tender, add butter, cumin, parsley, chili powder, salt and pepper to meat. Stir until they are well-coated. Add tomatoes, sauce and macaroni to the meat mixture. Cook about 30 minutes.

Top with a little hot sauce and cheese.

Enjoy!