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Homemade Hamburger Helper

PSA: Hamburger Helper is a guilty pleasure of mine, but I figured I would make it myself rather than get it from a box since it's actually really quite simple. And I'm so glad I did! Easy ingredients, and only 3 steps! Just like it's coming from the box, but you're using fresh ingredients! And I'd have to say it tastes a bit better than the box and takes just as long to make. 

 The best part is, I made this on a Monday, after picking up Aidin from the bus, making our hour drive home and going to the grocery store! Less than 30 minutes of making dinner, we got a fresh loaf of bread from the bakery (good tip, send your cute kid over and ask if they have anything fresh out of the oven, works every time!) and some salad as a side. Perfect dinner and makes leftovers for lunch! 

 Ingredients:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1t paprika
  • 1t dried parsley
  • 1t garlic powder
  • a pinch of cayenne
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups of milk
  • 1 1/2 cups of beef broth
  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni
  • 1 - 8oz can of tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Easy as 1,2,3!
  1. Brown the ground beef, onion, paprika, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne powder, salt and pepper. *note: use a lower fat content on your beef, I did a 97/3.
  2. Stir in the milk, broth, macaroni and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. 
  3. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. 

What did I tell ya? Easy, cheesy! Does it look like the most amazing, beautifully plated entree you've ever done? Absolutely note. But I'll be damned if I didn't say it was tasty!! You may not be a Hamburger Helper person, but if I can find recipes that are just a litttttle bit better than buying it in the box, I'm gonna make it! And enjoy it. Hopefully you will too! 

Drop me a line, subscribe, pass it along! Thanks for joining me for another night in the kitchen! 

*For the original recipe, click here

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