CHEF JEFF -- ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Beef-Macaroni-Cheese Layer Casserole

Hamburger hotdishes always score points with kids.

Beef-Macaroni-Cheese Layer Casserole

2 3-serving-size boxes macaroni and cheese

1 pound lean ground beef

3 garlic cloves, minced

1½ teaspoons dried oregano leaves

1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes

Salt, pepper and/or crushed red pepper to taste

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed; set aside. Brown meat with garlic and oregano in large nonstick skillet; drain. Stir in tomatoes and juice. Season to taste with salt, pepper and/or crushed red pepper. Spoon meat mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with prepared macaroni and cheese. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from oven. Top with cheese. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes, or until cheese melts. Cut into squares.

Yield: Serves 12.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.