Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper

[abracanabra]

Yes, it's something of a guilty pleasure. I did not grow up with so-called "convenience" food, and I may have overindulged in it a bit when I was a teenager/young adult. 'Nuff said. This version is pretty darn good, although the taco flavor is strong.

Possible taco variation: Just make the hamburger pasta part, maybe add some chopped fresh tomatoes and black olives or corn, sprinkle with shredded cheddar immediately before serving.



Ingredients

Hamburger Pasta:
3 Tbsp. butter
1 pound ground 85 percent lean hamburger
1 medium onion, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2½ cups macaroni, dry
Cheese sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
2 cups medium Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can French-cut green beans (optional)

Directions

Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat. Add minced onion and saute until golden.
Add hamburger. Break into chunks with wooden spoon and cook, stirring often, until hamburger is cooked through.
Add broth, water, ketchup, tomato paste, and seasonings and stir to combine.
Add macaroni and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until macaroni is al dente and liquid has reduced.

Meanwhile, melt butter in another pan over medium high heat.
Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes or until flour is cooked through.
Add milk and whisk until smooth.
Cook until sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Turn down heat and add cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

Add cheese sauce and (optional) green beans to hamburger and noodle mixture and stir to combine.