Hamburger Helper

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  1 lbs 93/7 Ground Beef

  93% lean ground beef. Widely available at most grocery stores.

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  1 tbsp Tomato Paste
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  1 tsp Garlic powder
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  1 tsp Onion powder
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  0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
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  0.5 tsp Chili powder
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  1 tsp Sugar, Granulated White
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  0.5 tsp ½ teaspoon sea salt
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  0.3 tsp ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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  2 tbsp Butter
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  2 tbsp Flour, All-Purpose, White
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  2 cup Low Sodium Beef Broth
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  1.5 cup 2% Milk
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  8 oz Pasta, Macaroni (Elbow), White, Dry
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  8 oz Cheddar Cheese
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  Minced Fresh Parsley, For Serving (Optional)

Instructions

1. 1Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the beef to a colander set over a bowl to drain off the fat.
2. 2Return the drained beef to the pot over medium heat. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, and sugar until fully combined, about 1 minute.
3. 3Add the butter and cook, stirring, until melted, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly until no lumps remain and the flour is fully incorporated, about 1–2 minutes.
4. 4Slowly pour in the beef broth and milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, about 3–4 minutes.
5. 5Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and stir constantly. Cook over medium heat until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6–8 minutes.
6. 6Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth, about 1 minute.
7. 7Divide the hamburger helper evenly into 4 airtight containers while hot. Allow to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
8. 8Reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50% power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.