Hearty Beef and Macaroni Bake

1. Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing 2 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for about 5 minutes until it's tender. Then, drain the macaroni in a colander, rinsing it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

2. Cook the Vegetables and Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, green pepper, and garlic, cooking them until the vegetables begin to wilt. Add the lean ground beef, seasoning it with salt and freshly ground pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat loses its red color.

3. Combine Meat and Macaroni

Once the meat is cooked, stir in the chopped oregano, basil or parsley, and crushed tomatoes. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, blending everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the meat mixture.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, and cook for about a minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer this mixture until it thickens, then remove it from the heat. Stir in the Cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and additional salt and pepper to taste, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Assemble and Broil

Preheat your broiler. Spoon the macaroni and meat mixture into a 7x10x2.5-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Place the dish under the broiler until it's hot, bubbling, and lightly browned on top, which should take just a few minutes.