Beefy Shells and Cheese

     My posts have become fewer and farther between as the blog goes on. I have found that I have posted all of my regularly used recipes, and I only get to post those new adventures that I try...which is not very many during this time of year. We have been so busy with summer things, and I have recently starting babysitting a three month old a few nights a week. With a 17 month old and a three month old, I don't get much time to experiment...I'm lucky if we get a meat and a side or two.
     I've been reading The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook as my nighttime reading after Miss E goes to bed, and I have found some fantastic inexpensive recipes that I want to try. I wish I had bought it instead of borrowing it from the library. She does have a website that I haven't check out yet.
     This recipe is one that I have actually made before. It's one of those that tastes really great and every time I make it I think, "This should be a regular dish", but then life goes on and I come across it again every couple of months. I really do like it, and though it starts with a box of processed shells and cheese, the added black beans and carrots make it healthier. I've been sneaking in a lot more veggies lately since Miss E has decided to be more picky about eating them.

1 lb ground turkey (or beef)
1 pkg (12 oz) shells and cheese dinner mix
2 c water
1-1/4 c salsa
1 can (15oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 carrot, shredded
1-2 tsp chili powder (to taste)
1/8 tsp salt

• Brown meat. Drain. 
• Add shells and water to skillet with meat. Bring to boil, cover and simmer 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender. Drain water.
• Stir in salsa, beans, carrots, chili powder, salt and contents of cheese sauce packet. 
• Remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes.

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