Fiesta Macaroni and Cheese

This was a recipe that we had a lot growing up. It's ALWAYS been one of my favorites. It's actually a quite simple meal and very tasty. Growing up it was always a can of this and a can of that. Well I decided to make it more homemade and healthier. I found SUCCESS! It is creamier and cheesier and more fresh tasting. I love it!






1 lb. of ground beef(opt.)
1 red pepper, diced finely
1 green pepper, diced finely
1 medium-small onion chopped super fine(or dried chopped onion works too)
2 Tbsp oil

If using meat cook that in the pan now, drain excess fat. After the beef is cooked add the rest of the ingredients and saute for about a minute or two. If you don't use the meat quickly saute the last four ingredients in a pan and remove the chunks(it's ok to leave the oil in)

3 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp flour
3 c. whole milk
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
3 c. sharp cheddar cheese
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
2 1/2 c. elbow noodles cooked til slightly shy of al dente

In the pan used to brown meat and/or saute the peppers add the butter and melt. Add the flour to make the roux. Mix well for about 30 seconds to a minute. Slowly add milk stirring constantly. Add all the spices and keep stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and add the cheese and stir until it's all melted and incorporated. Add the sauted peppers and return to heat to mesh the flavors.Add the tomato sauce and the peppers and ground beef. Return to the heat and stir until well mixed and has a creamy orange consistency. Add the noodles and simmer until the noodles have soaked in the sauce and reached your desired firmness. This meal is a nice twist on macaroni and cheese and will create a fiesta for your taste buds!