Ingredients

  • 2 quarts water
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
  • 1 pound lean ground beef chuck or round steak
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley
  • 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups cubed or shredded Cheddar cheese
  • Cayenne pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Method

  • Bring the water with salt to a boil.
  • Add the macaroni; stir and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Do not overcook.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • In a skillet, heat the oil and add the onions, celery, green pepper and garlic.
  • Cook, stirring, until wilted.
  • Add the meat, salt and pepper.
  • Cook, stirring, until the meat loses its red color.
  • Add the oregano, basil and tomatoes.
  • Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
  • Add the cooked macaroni.
  • Blend well and set aside.
  • Keep warm.
  • Preheat the broiler to high.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan, and stir in the flour with a wire whisk until well-blended.
  • Add the milk, stirring rapidly, and bring to a simmer.
  • Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the sauce from the heat, and stir in the Cheddar cheese, cayenne, nutmeg, and more salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir until the cheese melts.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Spoon the macaroni mixture into a baking dish measuring 7 by 10 by 2 1/2 inches.
  • Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the macaroni mixture.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and place under the broiler (about 4 to 5 inches from the heat source) until it is hot, bubbling and lightly browned.