Ingredients
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- Whole Wheat Macaroni: 2 cups (uncooked)
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- Lean Ground Beef or Turkey: 1 pound
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- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
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- Onion: 1 small, diced
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- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
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- Baby Spinach: 2 cups
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- Low-sodium beef or Vegetable Broth: 1 cup
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- Low-fat milk: 2 cups
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- Whole Wheat Flour: 2 tablespoons
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- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1.5 cups, shredded
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- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
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- Black Pepper: to taste
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- Salt: to taste
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- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
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- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Macaroni:- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add the whole wheat macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
- Prepare the Cooking Area:
- While the macaroni is cooking, gather all your ingredients and prepare the vegetables.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat:
- Add the lean ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through. This should take 5-7 minutes.
- If there is excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it away.
- Add the Spinach:
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it is wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the cooked meat and spinach mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the low-sodium broth while stirring, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour.
- Slowly pour in the low-fat milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Let it cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked macaroni to the skillet.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season the Dish:
- Season the macaroni and cheese with black pepper, salt, and paprika to taste.
- If desired, stir in the Dijon mustard for added flavor.
- Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and the cheese is completely melted, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Hamburger Macaroni and Cheese hot, and enjoy your homemade meal!
Feel free to adjust seasoning and ingredient quantities based on your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 - 40 minutes