Beefy Macaroni and Cheese

here are a few recipes i've made this week. more to come! enjoy!

Makes about 4 servings Ingredients: kosher salt 8 oz medium pasta shells 3 T unsalted butter 1 small onion, chopped 1 T tomato paste 1 T chili powder 8 oz ground beef 2 T all-purpose flour 1 C low-fat milk (1%) - I used skim, worked fine 2 1/2 C shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz) 2 T panko breadcrumbs 2 scallions, thinly sliced (i usually omit these :) Method: 1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. 2. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. 3. Add tomato paste and chili powder and stir until brick red, about 2 minutes. Add the beef and cook, stirring, until browned, 4 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread mixture in a 3-quart baking dish. Preheat the broiler. 4. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the milk and reserved cooking water, bring to a simmer and cook, whisking, until thick, 2 minutes. 5. Add 2 cups cheese, the cooked pasta, and 3/4 teaspoon salt and stir until the cheese melts. Spread over the beef mixture. 6. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and panko. Sprinkle over the pasta mixture and broil until golden. Top with scallions.