Ingredients

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente; drain and set aside.
3. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
4. If using, add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
5. Sprinkle flour over the onion and meat mixture, stir 1 minute.
6. Gradually pour in milk while stirring until a smooth sauce forms and begins to thicken.
7. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the shredded cheese.
8. Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
9. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top if using.
10. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
11. Let rest a few minutes before serving.