Homemade Hamburger Helper

 

Ingredients

• 1 lb. 

  ground beef (90/10)

• 4 

  slices bacon, chopped

• 1 

  yellow onion, chopped

• 3 

  garlic cloves

• 3 c. 

  beef broth

• 1 

  15-ounce can tomato sauce

• 3/4 c. 

  heavy cream

• 1 tbsp. 

  paprika

• 1 tbsp. 

  hot sauce

• 2 tsp. 

  salt

• 1 tsp. 

  ground black pepper

• 12 oz. 

  large elbow macaroni

• 8 oz. 

  shredded mild cheddar cheese 

• 1/4 lb. 

  yellow American cheese slices, torn into small pieces

• Green onion or chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

• 1. 1In a large Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, bacon and onion over medium heat, stirring, until the ground beef is cooked through, the bacon is rendered and the onion is softened, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. 2Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, heavy cream, paprika, hot sauce, salt and pepper to the beef mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium. Add the pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.
  3. 3Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheeses until fully melted and creamy. Garnish with green onion or parsley, if desired.