"kicked Up" Macaroni and Cheese

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

I have made this quite a few times, it is just delicious and a favourite with my family. This recipe makes quite a lot so make certain that you have a very large fry pan or use a Dutch oven. The complete recipe is made on top of the stove. Make certain to only cook pasta until just firm but a bit tender, as the pasta will cook more in the pan. All ingredients may be adjusted to suit taste. I have even added in some chopped cooked bacon...you will love this!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 -2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1 -2 teaspoon salt
• black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1 large onion , chopped
• 2 -3 stalks celery , finely chopped
• 2 (225 g) boxes macaroni & cheese dinner mix (I use Kraft)
• 2 (10 ounce) cans mushrooms , drained
• 2 tablespoons HP steak sauce (or to taste)
• 1 dash Tabasco sauce (optional)
• 1 green bell pepper , chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup , undiluted
• 2 (10 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup , undiluted
• 1 -2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• milk (to thin sauce) or half-and-half cream (to thin sauce)

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta from the Kraft dinner until firm-tender (do not over cook, leave firm!) drain and rinse under cold water, set aside the cheese packages and the cooked macaroni.
2. In a large frypan or Dutch oven brown the ground beef with onion, garlic and celery until beef is no longer pink; drain fat.
3. Add in the mushrooms and the cooked macaroni to the ground beef; mix to combine.
4. In a bowl, mix together mushroom soup, tomato soup, HP steak sauce, Tabasco sauce (if using) green pepper, Parmesan cheese (if using) and the two packages of cheese mix; mix well to combine.
5. Add the mixture to the ground beef in the pan and stir to combine.
6. Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes; reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding in milk to thin sauce (I use about 1/4-1/3 cup).
7. Delicious!

Reviews

[Torricus]

It was just alright for me. I found it way too rich for my taste, and a tiny bit bland. Very hearty, though! And makes a good quantity!

[NcMysteryShopper]

This is a simple all in one meal. I thought it was good, but the guys thought it was outstanding... and I really like the easy clean up! This makes a HUGE amount! I sent it in a thermos for a hot lunch and the comment was "I still love it!" So it is a winner here! Thanks Kitz.