Homemade Mac & Cheese with ground beef

So simple, rich and delicious!

(Serves 12+)

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef

1.5 lb (4-5 cups) uncooked elbow macaroni and/or fusilli

3/8 cup margarine

4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 cups milk, any kind (I used oat milk)

1.5 cup half and half (I used one can coconut milk)

5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325° F and lightly grease two casserole dishes. (I prewarmed the empty casserole dishes while everything was cooking.)

In a small frying pan, sauté ground beef with Montreal Steak Spice, breaking it up as you go and set aside, keeping it warm.

Cook the macaroni and fusilli to al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping it warm.

(Prewarming the milk in the microwave until lukewarm will make the roux develop faster.)

Make the sauce:

Melt the margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat. Blend in the flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Slowly add the milk and half and half, stirring constantly, and cook over medium-low heat for a few minutes until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of gravy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded cheese, stirring just until melted.

Combine:

Add the cooked macaroni noodles and the cooked ground beef. Toss to coat. Pour half of the pasta mixture into each baking baking dish. Sprinkle the balance of cheese over the top.

Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted on top.

Options:

Sauté one onion with ground beef.

Add frozen mixed vegetables to the pasta while cooking.

Replace ground beef with chopped bacon or ham.

Inspired by https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese/#wprm-recipe-container-23209