Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like shells or penne)
- 4 cups beef broth (or substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (for a classic cheesy flavor; feel free to mix cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra variety)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, to help with sautéing)
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp paprika (for color and a bit of spice)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard powder (adds depth to the cheesy sauce; optional but recommended)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor:
- ½ cup heavy cream (for an even creamier sauce)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for a tangy, creamy twist)
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale (to add a bit of greens to the dish)
- Red pepper flakes (for extra heat if desired)