Homemade Hamburger Helper

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion (diced)
• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 3 cloves Garlic (grated)
• 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/3 cup Tomato Paste (about half of a 6-ounce can)
• 4 cups Beef Broth (plus extra water, if needed)
• 8 ounces Dried Elbow Macaroni (or preferred pasta)
• 1/3 cup Milk (or any dairy liquid)
• 1-2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• Optional: Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add OLIVE OIL and heat until shimmering.

2. 2

   Add the ONIONS and saute a few minutes until tender. Add GROUND BEEF and sauté until browned and cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess grease.

3. 3

   Stir in the GARLIC, DRIED OREGANO, PAPRIKA, and TOMATO PASTE. Saute a few minutes to meld the flavors, stirring as needed.

4. 4

   Deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of BROTH and scraping any browned bits from the bottom.

5. 5

   Stir in the remaining BROTH and the MACARONI NOODLES.

6. 6

   Bring just to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often. Check the pasta. If you want it more tender and the liquid is low, add 1/2 cup water or more as needed, and continue simmering until the pasta softens to your liking.Note: Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet.

7. 7

   Add the MILK to the pan and stir to combine. Stir in the CHEDDAR CHEESE until melted and creamy. Season with SALT and PEPPER.

8. 8

   Remove from heat and serve warm garnished with FRESH PARSLEY.

9. 9

   To store, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days.