Mexican-Inspired Sausage with Macaroni and Cheese

Mexican Sausage (2 servings)

4 links italian sausage (I used pork, but will try turkey next time.)
1/2- 1c canned black beans, drained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2- 1c frozen corn kernels
1/4 c diced green chiles
taco seasoning
chili powder

Cut sausage into 1 in pieces. Cook with water in skillet until no longer pink. Empty any remaining water from the pan and brown the sausage. Add desired amount of taco seasoning and water (2/3 c for the entire packet). Add onion and pepper. Cook till tender. Add beans, chiles and corn. Cook until everything is heated through.

"Mexican" Macaroni and Cheese (3 servings)

10 oz pasta (I used mini shells.)
1 c milk
1 1/2 c shredded mexican cheese blend (cheddar, jack etc)
1 tbl butter
1/4 c onion
1 tbl flour
taco seasoning

1 handful tortilla chips

Cook pasta.
In medium saucepan, melt butter and cook onion until tender. Add flour and then milk. Stir until bubbly and starting to thicken. Add cheese and desired amount of taco seasoning. Drain cooked pasta and add to cheese, stiring until well combined. Crushed the tortilla chips and sprinkle on top to create a crunchy topping like on baked mac n cheese.