Dinosaur-Style Macaroni & Cheese Shepherd’s Pie

Name: Dinosaur-Style Macaroni & Cheese Shepherd’s Pie
Yield: feed 6 to 8
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 pound small pasta shells; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cups chopped onion; 1 cup chopped green pepper; 5 large cloves garlic, chopped; 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 3/4 cup Mutha Sauce (page 165); 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup flour; 2 1/2 cups half-and-half or milk; 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; Tabasco sauce

January 24, 2012

Here’s a twist on a classic British pub recipe. The beefy base of the pie gets flavored up Dino-style and topped off with savory mac ‘n’ cheese instead of the traditional mashed potatoes. It makes a hearty meal. Just add salad.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.