Pierre Franeys Macaroni & Beef Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water
• Salt, to taste
• 7 1/2 ounces dry elbow macaroni (dry 1 ½ cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• ¼ cup chopped green pepper
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
• 1 pound lean ground beef chuck (or round steak)
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or Italian parsley)
• 118 ml crushed tomatoes (canned, ½ cup)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded )
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese