Happy tummies=happy families

Eating out is not a regular in the Davis house so cooking is my favorite hobby since like most peeps we love tasty food. I haven't yet shared any recipes so I am deflowering with a tasty dish that is meant to appeal to a family with various tastes.

We love burgers but I am someone who is encouraged by twisting an old favorite so and my Cheeseburger Paradise Casserole is a perfect example, and yes it is a casserole but a damn delicious one. My fam scarfed it up and Magnus even took the time between bites to say, "This is very yummy in my tummy and splendid!"

It helps that the tomatoes were fresh from our garden, the last before the season was over, however any tomatoes will do. By using the 1% milk the cheese sauce is not as high in calories as typical cheese sauces can be, and draining the meat helps to cut down on the majority of the grease. But the best part of this meal is that for as tasty as it is, it does not break the bank.

Cheeseburger Paradise
1 lb Cavatappi noodles
1 ½ cup sliced onion
½ cup pickles diced
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp celery salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup grape tomatoes sliced
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
½ cup 1% milk
Pinch pepper
Pinch salt
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs

1. Start boiling water. When it comes to rolling boil lightly salt water and add noodles. Stir occasionally and boil for 10 minutes then drain.
2. Heat skillet with a small dash olive oil.
3. Slice onions and sautee in pan till lightly brown.
4. Dice pickles and add to pan. Sautee for 3 minutes.
5. Remove to plate.
6. Begin browning meat for 5ish minutes, and then add spices. Continue to brown for another 5 minutes.
7. Remove to pastry cooling rack layered with paper towels to drain. Then lightly wipe out the pan.
8. Warm tomatoes in pan then remove to plate with onion mixture.
9. Add butter and melt. Remove from heat and stir in flour. Next, whisk in ¼ cup of milk and whisk till smooth. Add another ¼ and repeat. Return to heat.
10. Add remaining milk and whisk till small bubbles appear and thickens.
11. Remove from heat and add cheese. Stir till it melts.
12. Layer noodles, meat, veggie mix, and pour cheese over. Cook for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
13. Spread bread crumbs and put under broil for 5 minutes.
14. Remove from oven and let stand 5 mintues.