Pierre Franey - Recipes - Macaroni & Beef Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water
• Salt to taste
• 1-1/2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 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 parsley
• 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups cubed or shredded Cheddar cheese
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons (or more) grated Parmesan cheese