This is a quick and easy dinner similar to “hamburger helper” but with a more homemade/home-style feel.
1 (8 oz) package elbow macaroni (or other shaped pasta)
1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings, such as: sour cream, tortilla chips, tomatoes, peppers, onions
Prepare macaroni according to package directions, drain and keep warm.
Brown ground beef in skillet or frying pan until no longer pink and drain. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir over medium-low heat until thoroughly mixed and sauce begins to reduce. Set aside and keep warm.
Melt butter in a large pan over medium, gradually adding flour and whisking constantly to form a sauce. Gradually add milk, while whisking, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until mixture thickens. Decrease heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, stir until cheese is completely melted.
Add macaroni and beef to pan, stirring over low heat. Let cook until mixture begins to simmer and thicken. Remove from heat and top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
Serve on large plates with toppings on the side. This dish went well with a side of mexican rice and tortilla chips, along with the usual taco toppings. It also made for great left overs!
The sauce in this recipe was hard to thicken, I added an additional tablespoon of flour to thicken it up, but I think less milk could be used (maybe just 1 or 1 1/2 cups instead of 2).
