Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese

Courtesy of Noble Pig

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 pound ground sirloin
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
1 Tablespoon butter
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 medium-size tomatoes, thinly sliced
2-3 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Coat a 2 quart oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling and cook according to package directions.  Drain.

While pasta cooks, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add sirloin, breaking apart with a wooden spoon.  Cook 6 minutes until no longer pink.  Season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in ketchup and mustard.  Transfer to a bowl.

Return skillet to medium heat and add butter.  Once melted, whisk in flour, then add milk in a thin stream.  Bring to a simmer and cook 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2 cups of the cheese.  Stir in pasta.

Pour into prepared dish.  Top with meat mixture, remaining cheese, sliced tomatoes and bread crumbs. Spritz with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake for 20 minutes and increase heat to broil for 2 more minutes at the end.