Mom's Helper!!!

Bet you thought I meant my REAL helper, my little Gabriel, huh? Well he's awesome but I am talking about this super quick dinner that is a kid pleaser & mom pleaser (due to the ease) too! It's my take on Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper. Why buy that box mix when it's simple to make this yourself with fresh ingredients & less salt?!?

<3 Lishie

Mom's Helper

• 2 TBSp canola oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried herbs (I used a tsp parsley)
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 8 oz. elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
• 4 TBSp butter
• 1 TBSp flour
• 1-2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a large saute pan, with deep sides, heat the canola oil on medium. Saute the onion until translucent, add the garlic & dried herbs, stir to combine. Add the ground beef, browning it, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, boil the water for the macaroni. Cook the pasta al dente. Drain.
Drain the oil & liquids from the beef mixture. Combine the beef mixture & the macaroni back in the saute pan. Set aside.

Using a small sauce pan, melt the butter... Continuously whisking, add the flour. Still whisking, slowly add the milk... allow to thicken a little then the cheese until melted. You should have a creamy sauce.

Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger/macaroni-mix & incorporate until combined. Serve & enjoy!