Macaroni and Cheese Casserole with Ground Beef

Ingredients:

• 220 g medium shell pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 220 g of ground beef
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 1 cup of milk with 1% fat content
• 2.5 cups of grated Mexican cheese mix (about 220 g)
• 2 tbsp. breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Preparation:

1. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Set aside 3/4 cup of the water and discard the rest. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and chili powder and stir until the mixture turns brick red, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until browned, 4 minutes. Stir in 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
2. Pour the mixture into a 3-quart baking dish. Preheat the oven to broil. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the milk and pasta water, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring, until thickened, 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of cheese, the cooked pasta, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt and stir until the cheese melts. Spread the pasta over the beef mixture.
3. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the pasta. Grill until golden brown. Sprinkle with green onions. Serve with chicken.