ZENB Elbows Pasta Pastitsio Mac & Cheese

Mac and cheese is a go-to dish for many families during anytime of year. This ZENB Elbows Pasta recipe delivers on the rich flavor you expect from mac and cheese and features ground beef and a variety of seasonings to round out the dish. Make this your new go-to dish when you are looking for ways to enjoy your ZENB Pasta.

• 1 box (12 ounces) ZENB Elbows Pasta made from 100% Yellow Peas, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook ZENB Pasta as directed on package. Drain.

2.

Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add onions; cook 4-6 minutes until translucent. Add ground beef, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cinnamon. Cook 6-8 minutes until beef is no longer pink. Stir in tomato sauce; simmer 15 minutes until slightly thickened.

3.

Meanwhile, melt butter in large pot on medium heat. Add flour; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Whisk in milk; bring mixture to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes. Add 2 cups cheddar cheese and remaining salt & pepper. Stir gently until cheese is completely melted. Add pasta; mix gently until well combined.

4.

Spoon half the meat sauce into a 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Top with half the pasta mixture. Repeat with remaining meat sauce and pasta. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake 18-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.