I started with Paula Deen's recipe, but tweaked it. Its super flexible, so you can leave out/substitute whatever you want. I snuck in 7 different vegetables, and everyone loved it. The Slap Chop made it really easy, and the veggies were small enough that even Dean couldn't pick them out! Haha PS this makes a TON, like an 11 x 15 pan.
Beefy Mac and Cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 carrot, diced
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 bag frozen zucchini and summer squash (or use fresh), chopped
2 tsp garlic, diced
3 cans diced tomatoes (you could use Rotel, if you want it a little zestier)
salt & pepper
dash of Italian seasoning
1/3 packet Taco Seasoning
1 lb cheddar cheese, shredded
Cook macaroni to al dente, like 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. Start browning the meat, and then halfway through, add all the veggies (except the tomatoes). Cook til meat is all browned, and veggies are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste, Italian seasonings, and part of the taco packet, and the tomatoes. Simmer for a few minutes. Pour macaroni into baking dish, and then pour meat mixture on top. Carefully stir together. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top, and carefully mix it into the pasta/meat. The top it with the remaining cheese.
Cook at 350 for 30 mins or until bubbly and melty.
