Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef

Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef 

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1/2 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking. Drain excess grease if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Push beef to the side or remove it from the pan. In the same pan, melt butter, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

4. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in mustard powder if using.

5. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and season as needed.

6. Return beef and cooked pasta to the pan and stir everything together until well coated and heated through.