Mature Hamburger Helper

This is one of the few new recipes that we have made since we have moved.  Add vegetables, more cheese, and maybe another variety of vegetable and it is good.  I added tomatoes, but it would have been amazing with chopped celery and maybe some green onions.  Alex helped make it, which makes it extra special as far as meals go around here. 

Recipe from Budget Bytes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef- the fattier the tastier!
2 tsp garlic- finely chopped
1 small red onion- chopped
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
8 oz tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 cups pasta
1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar- separated

Heat up a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil and ground beef.  Proceed to crumble and cook the beef.  Drain the beef once it has been browned.
Return the beef to the pot and add the onion and garlic.  Cook until the onions have softened- stir frequently!
Once the onions have softened add the flour and continue to stir the pot for an additional minute. 
Add in the spices, tomato sauce, and beef broth and cook until the liquids have heated through.
Add your favorite kind of pasta to the pot, raise the temperature to a boil, place a lid on the pot and reduce the heat and proceed to cook for the recommended cooking time on your pasta box.  If you need to add additional water to cover the pasta, do so!
Stir in 1 cup of cheese!  Add in some vegetable fixings!  Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of individual portions.


This made enough for probably 3 adults.  Stretch it further by adding more pasta, beef broth, and adjust the spices/herbs to taste.