My version of Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper

Ingredients

• ~10 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni (I used an 14.5 oz pkg and removed about a third)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 c chopped onion
• 1 c shredded carrot
• 1/3 c shredded zucchini (still using up CSA produce)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (CSA)
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1.5 cup tomato sauce
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Cook pasta

3. Saute onion, carrot, bell pepper, zucchini and garlic in olive oil over med-high heat for about 4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add pasta to beef mixture and stir. Pour into a greased casserole dish.

5. Mix milk, nutmeg and flour in a saucepan with a whisk. Cook over med-high heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Add 1 c cheese and stir until smooth.

6. Pour cheese mixture over pasta mixture; stir. Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

7. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.