Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
Author: 
Recipe type: Dinner
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2½ cups water
  • ½ lb pasta (about 2 cups dry pasta)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. In a deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat.
  2. Meanwhile in a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Sprinkle the spice mixture on the ground beef and stir well to combine. Add the water and pasta into the skillet. Stir. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Add the milk a little at a time, whisking until fully combined. Cook until thickened, whisking occasionally -- about 5 minutes. Add the cheese and ground mustard and stir until fully incorporated.
  4. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well to combine. Cook on medium-low for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper, as desired.
  5. Enjoy immediately.
Recipe by Maine Course at http://mainecourse.bdnblogs.com/2014/09/09/recipes/homemade-cheeseburger-macaroni-and-family-dinners/