Go Back

Cheesy-Mac-n-Beef

Akin to Hamburger Helper, but homemade
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people

Equipment

  • Large Frying Pan
  • Medium Pot Optional (can cook pasta in step 8)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 strips bacon
  • 1 ea small sweet onion diced
  • 1/2 lbs lean ground beef Can be substituted with almost any protein
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/8 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 lbs shredded or grated cheese I use mostly sharp cheddar with some parmesan
  • 1/2 lbs elbow mac use your favorite noodle

Instructions
 

  • Start cooking pasta noodles to desired doneness according to the box, recommend 1 minute less than listed on the box to finish the noodles with the rest of the meal. Strain and set cooked noodles aside reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
  • chop the bacon into pieces and toss into frying pan, start to cook until fat starts to render out over medium heat
  • add onion and start to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes
  • add ground beef salt and pepper and start to cook down until mostly browned
  • drain off excess grease onto plate with paper towels for disposal
  • add garlic and spices, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or un til beef is fully browned and garlic is fragrant
  • Add tomato paste, stir this in and cook for an additional minute
  • Add chicken stock and reduce heat to a low simmer and cook down until almost completely reduced. Don’t forget to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan for a great flavor boost. If you want you can add uncooked pasta noodles now and cook them directly in the chicken stock, you may need to add an additional 1/2 cup of water, just cover and cook for about 1 minute less than listed on the box, then remove the lid and reduce the liquid down.
  • Add cream cheese and start to stir in slowly adding heavy cream, bring to a low simmer
  • add shredded/grated cheese and stir in until melted
  • Serve immediately

Notes

Recommend serving with cooked broccoli to add some veggies or a side salad to add some contrast to the meal.