The Helper of Hamburger

So, the Helper of Hamburger. 

I, being a child of the 80's am no stranger to this concept. However, we tend to not buy prepackaged food whenever possible, preferring to go from scratch/homemade. I am finding this tougher and tougher to do with hockey and dance and swimming lessons and archery and yoga and work and basket weaving. Quick, easy meals don't have to always mean a box is involved. This is a one pot meal that can be on the table in 25 minutes. I serve it with a green salad but I'm sure you could easily toss in a handful of spinach. 

It also reheats really well.

1 pound lean ground beef

1 1/2 cups uncooked penne

1/2 tsp onion salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp paprika

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup cream

1/2 cup water

2 Tbsp flour

1/4 cup havarti cheese

1/2 cup cheddar cheese

1/8 cup asiago cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and drain off grease. Drain well because even when it's lean ground beef I find it can be super greasy.

Add in uncooked pasta, spices and cheese.

Stir in milk, cream and water and mix well.

Sprinkle the flour slowly into the mixture until combined, don't dump it in or it might seize.

Over medium high heat bring mixture to a boil and then drop down to low, cover and let simmer until pasta is cooked to taste.

Make sure you open the lid and give everything a good stir every now and again and mix things up so the contents don't stick to the bottom or fry the cheese.

Add in salt and pepper to taste. You will need a little