Beefy Mac' n Cheese Bake ~ By Caroline

This is an easy dinner that the kids love! It's very flavorful, and even incorporates some carrots in there....so yeah, It's practically health food!  :-) (I wish)

 

 

 



Ingredients:

1 (8 oz.) package elbow macaroni noodles

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup grated carrot

2 tsps. minced garlic

1 pound lean ground beef

1 cup tomato sauce

1 tsp. salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup fat-free milk

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions
3. In a large frying pan, add onion and carrot and sauté for 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. add ground beef; cook until browned, stirring to crumble.  Add tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Cook for two minutes, or until most of the liquid evaporates.
4. Add pasta to beef mixture in pan, stirring to combine. Spoon pasta mixture into an 11x7 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
5. Place milk, flour, nutmeg, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt in a medium sauce-pan; stir with a wisk until blended. Cook over medium heat two minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly with a wisk. Add 1 cup cheese, stirring until smooth. Pour cheese mixture over pasta mixture; stir. Top evenly with remaining cheese.  Bake at 350 for 2o minutes or until lightly browned.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.