Name: Macaroni au Gratin with Meat and Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3/4 lb (340 g) macaroni; 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef; 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 3 tbsp (45 ml) tomato paste; 1 tsp thyme leaves; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 can (19 oz/540 ml) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup (125 ml) beef broth; 3 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour; 2 cups (500 ml) milk; 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 2 cups (200 g) mozzarella cheese, grated; 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard

Preparation

Macaroni
- With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until very al dente. Set aside 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the cooking water. Drain the pasta.
- Meanwhile, in a large ovenproof skillet over high heat, cook the meat in 2 tbsp (30 ml) of the oil for 8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside in a bowl.
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat, soften the onion and garlic in the remaining oil. Add the tomato paste, thyme and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute while stirring. Add the tomatoes, broth and meat. Mix well and continue to cook until the liquid has evaporated.
- Add the macaroni to the skillet and mix well to coat with the meat sauce. Over medium heat, continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the reserved pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce as needed. Adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat.
Cheese Sauce
- In the same pot used to cook the pasta over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute while whisking. Add the milk. Bring to a boil while whisking. Continue to cook for 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat.
- Add half of the cheddar (1 cup/100g), half of the mozzarella (1 cup/100g) and the mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted. Add the cheese sauce to the skillet of pasta. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the cheese is golden. Finish cooking under the broiler, if desired.

Macaroni au Gratin with Meat and Cheese

Categories

Ingredients

Macaroni

Cheese Sauce

Preparation

Macaroni

Cheese Sauce

Personal Note

To help you with this recipe

RICARDO Measuring Cups Set