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5 from 1 vote

Smoky Mac & Cheese Beef

With a few added ingredients, this Smoky Mac & Cheese Beef is another delicious way to enjoy this comfort food.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Passive Time0 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Francine Lizotte
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Keyword Beef, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Kids Recipes, Low Sodium/No Sodium, Pasta

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil tips & tricks
  • 1 cup white onions, diced
  • 1 cup red peppers, diced
  • 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • ground Himalayan pink salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large cloves garlic, pressed
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste tips & tricks
  • 2 tbsp. prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp. hot sauce such as Frank's
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, for garnish tips & tricks

CHEESE SAUCE

  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 2 tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add red peppers and sauté for a couple minutes.
  • Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, and generously season with ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until almost done before adding garlic; sauté for 1 to 1 ½ minutes.
  • Add ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and beef broth. Stir the ingredients very well and cook until all the liquid and fat is gone, stirring often, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Start cooking the macaroni.
  • While the pasta and meat mixture is cooking, start the cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, add butter and when melted and it starts sizzling, add flour; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Add ½ cup of milk at a time, stir until smooth before adding another cup.
  • Add Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper; whisk until blended.
  • Adding a handful of shredded cheese at a time, whisk until incorporated before adding more; whisking well after each addition.
  • When time is up, add cooked macaroni to the meat mixture, stirring until evenly mixed and pasta is nicely coated.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over and stir once again. When serving, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley.