Homemade Hamburger Helper

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef, or ground turkey

1 large yellow onion (diced)

1 clove garlic (minced)

2 Tbsp flour

2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp seasoned salt

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

8 oz small pasta shells (or elbows)

½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (off the block preferred)

salt & pepper (to taste)

Directions

In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground meat over medium high heat. Remove cooked ground meat from pan and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.

Lower the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic for the last 30 seconds.

Add the flour and stir to cook for about 1 minute, slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder and pasta, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover with lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

Add in the cream and cheese and stir until all the cheese melted. Add back in ground beef, cook for 2 to 3 minutes more to re-heat ground beef.

Serve warm!