Rich And Cheesy Macaroni - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons butter or 6 tablespoons margarine, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 2 cups 2% low-fat milk or 2 cups nonfat milk
8 ounces process American cheese, cubed
1 1/3 cups small curd cottage cheese
2/3 cup regular sour cream (I have used regular or light with great results) or 2/3 cup light sour cream (I have used regular or light with great results)
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (whatever you prefer) or 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (whatever you prefer)
1 1/2 cups soft breadcrumbs
optional
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken, browned ground beef or 1 1/2 cups other cooked meat

Preparation

Cook Macaroni according to package directions, drain.
Place in a greased 2 1/2 quart baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter.
stirr in flour, salt and sugar until smooth.
Gradually stir in milk, bring to a boil ; cook for 2 minutes until thickened.,.
Reduce heat; stir in American cheese until melted. Stir in cottage cheese and sour cream.
Pour over macaroni.
At this point you can add cooked chicken, ground beef or leave it plain.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and toss with bread crumbs; sprinkle over top.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.