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Homemade Beef Helper

BeefDiner-StyleStove-Top

Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

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About

Homemade Beef Helper foregoes the box and makes the classic meal something truly special! Juicy ground beef in a fragrant spice mixture is cooked with tender macaroni in extra savory chicken broth for a truly sumptuous dish! Then it becomes the ultimate in the mac-and-cheese world when the sharp cheddar cheese is melted into it! Yes, Homemade Beef Helper really does have it all, and it's ready so fast, you'll wonder why you ever reached for the box in the first place!

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2/3 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • water, to taste, can substitute broth
  • 1 3/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • parsley, optional, to taste for garnish

Directions

Step 1 -In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, the garlic powder, the sugar, the salt, the paprika, and the pepper.

Step 2 -Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3 -Add the ground beef and the onion to the hot skillet and cook, while crumbling the beef, until the meat is browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4 -Drain the fat from the skillet.

Step 5 -Add the milk, the broth, and the macaroni to the beef mixture.

Step 6 -Stir in the cornstarch mixture.

Step 7 -Bring the beef mixture to a boil.

Step 8 -Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the pasta is cooked through, about 9-12 minutes. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally and add the water if it is looking too dry.

Step 9 -Transfer the skillet from the heat.

Step 10 -Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 11 -Serve hot and garnish with the parsley.

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