Fancy Hamburger Helper

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (defrosted and broken into chunks)
• 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)
• 0.5 red onion (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for deglazing)
• 2 cup water (can substitute with beef broth)
• 8 oz pasta noodles (short shape like macaroni or fusilli)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (divided)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 0.25 cup pecorino romano (grated)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a little bit of oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Season it well with salt and pepper, and break it up into little chunks as it browns.

3. 3

   Add the diced red onion, minced garlic, and tomato paste to the pan with the beef. Sauté until the onions are softened and the tomato paste has darkened slightly.

4. 4

   Deglaze the bottom of the pan with apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits (fond) with a wooden spoon.

5. 5

   Pour in the water (or beef broth) and the dry pasta noodles.

6. 6

   Add a portion of the heavy cream and stir to combine.

7. 7

   Cover and let the mixture cook together for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

8. 8

   Finish the dish by stirring in the remaining heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and pecorino romano.

9. 9

   Serve immediately, topped with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

The author suggests serving this with a simple side salad. For a richer flavor, substitute the water with beef broth as suggested in the comments. Tortellini can also be used as a pasta substitute.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• one-pan
• comfort food
• beef
• pasta
• cheesy
• weeknight dinner