Pizza Mac 'n' Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb macaroni

• 1 lb ground beef

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

• 2 cups tomato sauce (replaces crushed tomatoes)

• 2 tsp chili powder

• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

• 2 cups grated mozzarella, divided

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if you want ( I didn't ).

3. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the beef. Cook until the onions soften, about 2 minutes.

4. Build the sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, tomato sauce, and chili powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

5. Combine with pasta: Reduce heat to low. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir in the parsley and half of the mozzarella. Toss until evenly coated.

6. Add melting cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, cover, and let it sit for a couple of minutes so the cheese melts.

7. Serve: Garnish with extra parsley ( my kids are picky so we didn't garnish with anything) and enjoy!

   
   

If you want a more pizza-flavored twist, you could stir in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a handful of mini pepperonis with the ground beef.

This was picky kid approved. I said a ' hallelujah ' when both of them ate it. Hope it's as delish for you as it was for us!