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I’ve never been a lover of macaroni cheese (or Mac n Cheese which seems to be the new name for it) but my girls think it’s fab so in an endeavour to please everyone I combined the Mac with some lean beef and a lasagna type white sauce (because who doesn’t love the baked cheese bit on the top?) and threw it in the oven. The verdict?…………. we all loved it but why don’t you try it and decide.

I also have to admit to being seduced by this beautiful Maccheroni Arrotolati pasta in Aldi so once I’d bought this how could I not give it a go?

Serves 4.

150g macaroni or Maccheroni
Olive oil spray
1 red onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
½ pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
500g lean minced beef
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
½ cup canned crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons cornflour
500ml skimmed milk
80g strong Cheddar cheese, grated
Cayenne pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C.

Cook the macaroni in slightly salted water until tender, about 5 minutes, but do not overcook it. Drain and rinse under cold water.

In a large, oven proof skillet or frying pan heat the oil spray and add the onions, celery, pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring, until softened. Add the meat, and salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the meat browns.

Add the Italian seasoning and tomatoes and cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes. Add the cooked macaroni and stir through to mix well. Set aside and keep warm.

Meanwhile, add the cornflour to a saucepan slowly add the milk and blending thoroughly. Start to warm, mixing with a whisk the whole time. Once the mixture starts to thicken add the grated cheese, reserving a little for the top. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir through the cayenne, nutmeg and a good grind of sea salt and black pepper.

Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni mix, top with the reserved cheese and the Parmesan if using.

Bake in the oven until the cheese topping is hot, bubbling and lightly browned.

Serve with green veg, salad or crusty bread.