• 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/2 pound 93% ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Gourmet Garden Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Gourmet Garden Basil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 1/2 cups 2% reduced fat milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2/3 cup chopped or grated Land O' Lakes 4 Cheese Italian Blend
  • 2/3 cup chopped or grated provolone cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh or dried parsley
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked and drained (al-dente, or with a little bite, is always best)

Make no mistake, friends. What looks like a simple hamburger and macaroni casserole is really a combination that knocked my family socks off! We bought a pound of Land O’ Lakes 4 Cheese Italian Blend at my favorite wholesale club, BJs, and have thoroughly enjoyed it in Italian subs and omelets. Yesterday I took out a little ground beef and pork from my freezer not really sure what I was going to make with them. I remembered how delicious that cheese was and wanted to use up the rest before leaving for NY.

I also had a box of elbow macaroni in the pantry and, voila! this recipe was made! All three of my guys sat at our family table commenting on how delicious this was. It was the cheese. I’m sure of it!

In a large skillet (I love my Lodge Cast iron skillet for this recipe), add oil, beef, pork, onion, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Cook over medium high heat until beef and pork are cooked through.

Do not drain the fat, but instead add flour to the pan. Stir to coat and cook for one minute. Now add your chicken stock and milk. Let it thicken up a bit and then add your Worcestershire, provolone, 4 Cheese Italian Blend and parsley. Stir just until combined and your cheeses have melted. The aroma is amazing and the flavor is even better!

Place your cooked elbow macaroni in a large serving bowl and pour your cheesy meat mixture over top. Stir together and enjoy!

 

From our hearts to yours,
Elise and family