How to make beef& broccoli cheddar mac

Fill a large pot with water& a dash of salt, and bring to a boil.

When water is boiling- add 2 cups of macaroni& cook according to package directions, less one or two minutes so macaroni still has some bite (al dente)

Whilst macaroni is boiling, finely dice onions and broccoli& grate cheese.

Drain macaroni and set aside. Heat 1TBSP of oil in skillet (I'm all about reducing dishes so, I used the same pot I boiled the mac in) add onions and sauté for approx. 2 minutes or until translucent.

Once onions are translucent, add 1LB of ground beef& a dash of salt to taste. Sauté until cooked through.

When beef is done, strain off any excess juices that may have accumulated and add broccoli. Turn off the heat, cover the skillet for a few minutes to allow the steam to somewhat cook the broccoli.

Now is a good time to preheat your oven to 350

Set broccoli& beef mixture aside in a large bowl& begin making cheese sauce, or roux, by melting 2 TBSP of butter. When butter has melted, add 2 TBSP of flour and mix until smooth.

Add 1/2 TSP of dry mustard& salt&pepper to your butter/flour mixture, stir until smooth, and allow to cook gently on medium/low heat for 1-2 minutes.

Begin to slowly add milk, stirring out any lumps as you go. I just used a wooden spoon but you may find a whisk easier.

Continue gradually adding milk, stirring out lumps as you go

Until all milk as been added and roux is smooth.

It's hard to see here, but allow the roux to bubble gently, stirring occasionally, for a minute or two until it is beginning to thicken

Once the roux has thickened up, remove from heat and stir in half a cup of chicken broth (see my guide on how to make Homemade Chicken Broth!) and 3 cups of cheese.

Stir until cheese has melted and mixture is smooth

Now you've made all the components for the dish. Add the cooked macaroni to the large bowl with the beef& broccoli mixture. Pour cheese sauce over beef, broccoli and macaroni and mix well.

Pour macaroni mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining half a cup of cheese. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.

Fresh from the oven

Served with a salad and dinner roll :)