Beef, Cheese, and Noodle Bake

• (8 ounce) package small elbow macaroni↗1
• cooking spray
• cup prechopped onion1
• cup preshredded carrot1
• garlic cloves, finely chopped↗2
• lb lean ground sirloin↗1
• cup tomato sauce↗1
• teaspoon salt, divided↗1
• teaspoon ground pepper↗1⁄2
• cup nonfat milk↗1
• tablespoons flour↗2
• teaspoon nutmeg↗1⁄8
• cups grated sharp light cheddar cheese (6 ounces)1 1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat over to 350.

2. 2

   Cook pasta, drain and set aside.

3. 3

   Saute onion, carrot, and garlic for about 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add ground beef and brown breaking up the meat.

5. 5

   Add tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper.

6. 6

   Continue to cook for about 2 minutes.

7. 7

   Add macaroni.

8. 8

   Put mixture into a 11 x 7 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

9. 9

   Heat milk, flour, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and nutmeg over medium heat whisking constantly for about 2 minutes, until smooth and thickening.

10. 10

    Stir in 1 cup of grated cheese until smooth.

11. 11

    Pour cheese mixture over pasta and stir in to blend.

12. 12

    Spread remaining cheese over the top.

13. 13

    Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is starting to brown.

14. 14

    Let sit for about 5 minutes before serving.