We all know momma is busy and may have tried those boxed meals back in the day, but she’s back with something so much more delicious (and a little healthier)! Better Hamburger Helper™ takes the tastes you love to the next level… without the box. Expertly seasoned ground beef, al dente macaroni, and an amazing, cheesy-tomato sauce all come together for comfort food’s finest hour (but it really doesn’t take that long)! Spoonful after spoonful, Better Hamburger Helper will bring back your childhood memories in a whole new yummy way. Don’t get boxed in, try momma’s new way today!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1/2 cube beef bouillon
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions
Step 1 –In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, the salt, and the pepper and cook, while crumbling, about 3 minutes.
Step 2 –Add the onions to the beef and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain the excess grease.
Step 3 –In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the macaroni to al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the water.
Step 4 –In a large measuring cup with a spout, add the beef broth, the tomato sauce, the half-and-half, the Worcestershire sauce, the yellow mustard, the ketchup, the beef bouillon, the oregano, the basil, and the parsley and stir to combine.
Step 5 –In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 6 –Add the garlic, the flour, and the tomato paste to the melted butter and stir to combine. Cook, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 7 –Gradually add the broth mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously. Do this slowly to ensure the roux doesn’t break and the sauce remains thick. Bring it to a boil.
Step 8 –Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce mixture, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 9 –Gradually sprinkle the cheese into the sauce and stir to combine.
Step 10 –Add the beef mixture to the sauce and stir to combine.
Step 11 –Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.
Step 12 –Serve.
