One Pot Hamburger Helper Knockoff

Let me begin by saying I have never eaten Hamburger Helper, not ever. I've heard of it, of course, and Larry has extolled its praises to me. I had intended to make tacos with the ground beef I'd defrosted, but decided to surprise him with a homemade version I'd found on the web.

Serves 4 (smallish portions) or 2-3 entree-sized portions

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

1 tbs ketchup

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Frank's hot sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

pepper to taste

1 1/2 cup pasta (like elbows)

3 1/2 cups broth (beef or chicken, low sodium)

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar

Directions

In a large skillet, brown the beef until no pink remains. Drain completely, wipe out skillet, then return beef to the skillet.

Add the ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper, pasta, and broth and bring to a boil, stirring to combine ingredients completely. 

Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until pasta is cooked.

Remove skillet from the heat to stir in the sour cream. Return the skillet to low heat and stir in the cheese, combining completely. 

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TASTE NOTES

I can't compare this to Hamburger Helper since I've never tasted it, but this one pot meal was quick, filling, and, yes, I'll admit it, tasty and comforting. While I don't think the portion is particularly large for an entree, it is ideal for 2-3 people. I will definitely make this again when time is short and I'm looking for simple comfort food.