Set a 6-Quart pot with water on the stove and turn the temperature to high to boil the water.
When the water is boiling, cook the elbow pasta according to package directions.
When the pasta is done boiling, make sure to reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water using a Pyrex measuring cup that is heat safe.
Then strain the rest in a sink colander.
In a large saucepan on the stove, sprayed with non-stick spray, add the ground beef, turkey or pork and then cook until browned.
When the ground meat is cooked, mince the shallot and garlic cloves and add it to the meat, cooking in the center until just fragrant and then mixing it into the meat well with a spatula.
Using a Cuisinart Food Processor or box grater, shred the cheese for the Mac & Cheese Casserole sauce, for example today was extra sharp cheddar, asiago and parmesan cheeses.
As you are making an alfredo-type sauce, pre shredded cheese will not work as it will not melt into the sauce. However, pre shredded cheese can be used to sprinkle on the top of the casserole before it is baked.
Use 8 Tbsp of butter for 2-pounds cooked meat placing it into the saucepan.
Once the butter is melted, add 1/4 cup flour for each 4 Tbsp butter and mix well.
Take the reserved starchy pasta water in the measuring cup and then slowly incorporate it into the ground meat mixture. This should be 1/2 cup starchy pasta water per 4 Tbsp butter.
Add 2 cups heavy cream to the mixture and then blend well.
Add the shredded cheese, one handful at a time, to the large saucepan and then mix well.
Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and then pour the cooked and drained elbows into the dish.
Season the meat sauce with salt and pepper, then carefully pour it onto the elbows in the baking dish.
Finally, sprinkle the top of the Mac & Cheese Casserole with 1 cup of shredded cheese and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
Remove the baked Mac & Cheese Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Keyword Dinner under $20, Elbow pasta, From Scratch Mac & Cheese, Mac & Cheese, Mac & Cheese Casserole, Recipe