Hamburger Macaroni and Beer Cheese

Hamburger Macaroni and Beer Cheese

Meet your new dinnertime staple: This creamy hamburger macaroni and cheese gets depth from the beer and spices but comes together in under thirty minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cup uncooked macaroni
  • 2 tbs butter
  • 1/2 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 tbs flour
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup beer (We like an Amber or Brown Ale for this. IPAs and other strong beers can be overpowering.)
  • 6 oz cheddar, freshly grated (The pre-grated stuff has anti-caking agents that will prevent it from melting nicely)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Set the macaroni on to boil, cooking just to al dente.
  • Meanwhile, heat butter over medium, then add the ground beef and shallot. Cook the beef through, about 5 minutes, then sprinkle on the flour, mustard, nutmeg, and cayenne. Stir it in to lightly toast and evenly distribute.
  • Pour in the beer and bring to a simmer. Stir while continuing to cook, to let thicken. This will take about three minutes.
  • Stir in the milk and let it warm through, almost to the point of scalding, then remove from heat. Stir in the cheese.
  • Sprinkle on some parsley, maybe a hint of freshly cracked black pepper too, then pour a drink, and enjoy!

Notes

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