Daddy Mac

Original Recipe from:  John Ashbrook

John and Kim Ashbrook represent the Tennessee branch of my village.  Kim and my daughter went to middle school together.  The Ashbrooks are a typical young family…busy with work and kids and the stresses that go along with life in our times.  Additionally they live far away from their friends and family.  They impress me because they include their kids in almost everything they do…from volunteering at a local food bank to cooking and baking.  They know the meaning of family meal time and are teaching their boys the value of spending time together as a family. 

John often makes this meal when Kim is working.  He and the boys prepare the meal together and have a great time in the kitchen.  This recipe is John’s creation and I am honored to include it in Kay’s Village Recipes collection.  I hope you will make this dish with and for your family just like John does.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups Elbow Macaroni

1/4 cup Butter

1/2 cup Bread Crumbs

1 pound Ground Beef (plus seasonings)

2cups Milk

8 ounces shredded Colby Jack Cheese

8 ounces shredded Sharp Cheddar

Directions

Cook Elbow Macaroni as directed on package.

Brown and season Ground Beef (drain grease).  Seasonings:  Tablespoon of Garlic, Dash of Onion Powder, Dash of Cayenne Pepper, Dash of White Pepper, Dash of Thyme.

While beef and macaroni are cooking, melt Butter in a medium pot over low heat.  Add 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs and mix until saturated.  Stir in Milk and heat until boiling on medium heat, stirring often.  Once boiling, continuously stir for 1 minute and reduce heat to low.  Add Cheeses and stir in until smooth. 

In 13x9x2 inch pan add drained, cooked Macaroni.  Then add drained, cooked and seasoned Ground Beef.  Top with the Cheese Mixture and mix until well blended throughout.  Sprinkle Bread Crumbs over top.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. 

Option:  Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese or top of casserole before baking.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.