Whole Plates Full Hearts

Let’s be honest. Sometimes you just want something cheesy, cozy, and easy that doesn’t take forever to make. This homemade Hamburger Helper is all that… and without the mystery powder packet.

You can use ground beef if that’s what you’ve got. But if you’ve got moose meat in your freezer, now’s your time to shine. Either way, this recipe is super forgiving. Also added bonus of being able to use one pot!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground moose or beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups pasta (elbows, spirals, bowties… they all work. Garofalo is my go-to.)
• 3 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 cup cheese (Cheddar, Dubliner, or whatever you got)

Steps:

1. Brown the meat.
Toss your ground moose or beef in a pot with the onion and garlic. Cook until the meat’s browned and the onions are soft. If it’s looking a little greasy, drain it.

2. Add the good stuff.
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it all cook together for a minute or two so it smells amazing.

3. Pour in the broth.
Add your beef broth and give it a good stir.

4. Pasta time.
Add the uncooked pasta right into the pot. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir it occasionally so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. Add Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and most of the broth has soaked in, stir in the cheese. Things should get gooey. This is the moment you realize dinner is going to be great.

6. Serve it hot.
Taste it. Add more salt or pepper if you want. Or cheese! Then serve it up warm.

Boom, baby!

That’s it. One pot. Low stress. No boxed mix needed.
This is comfort food at its finest. With or without moose. 🙂