So I grew up in the south on hamburger helper on busy nights. When Joel asked me to make this homemade version, I jumped right on it. I started with a recipe from Diva's Can Cook, but I added my own little twist to it. I have become a little bit of a master at cheese sauces lately from Alfredo to creamy cheese toppings, so I made it my own with a little extra goodness. Plus who doesn't love a LOT of cheese?!
Photo Cred: Diva's Can Cook
Ingredients:
Noodles:
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
1 tablespoon butter, optional
Meat:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 diced yellow or white onion
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp oregano
½ teaspoon chili powder
Sauce:
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Top:
2 tsp chopped parsley
1/4 cup cheddar cheese
Cook noodles and brown ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until almost done.
Add in onions, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and chili powder and cook until tender.
Drain noodles and return to pot with butter on lowest temp. Stir occasionally.
Drain meat and set aside.
Bring milk and heavy cream to a boil in skillet used for cooking meat.
Add in garlic powder, paprika, and then cheeses gradually. Allow sauce to thicken on high heat. Be careful not to scorch. Stir constantly.
Reduce heat to medium. Add in meat and noodles.
Remove from heat and top with remaining cheese and parsley.
Let pasta sit to thicken the sauce, meanwhile adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve and enjoy.
We'd love to see your photos and hear your thoughts. If you cook this, tag us at @jacksonpinefarm #jacksonpinefarm #jpffarmandfood ... for a chance to be featured!
Happy Eating,
Lauren
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Jackson Pine Farm