Description

Enjoy a comforting dish like Hamburger Helper, packed with ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and chickpea shell pasta. This delightful recipe is all about simplicity, making it your go-to for a quick, homemade dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground beef
6 ounces dry chickpea shell or elbow pasta
1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
1 medium head broccoli florets, cut into small pieces (~ 2 ½ cups)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced (~ ⅔ cup)
3 garlic cloves, minced (~ 2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
⅓ cup half and half
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon fine salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 7-8 minutes, breaking into small pieces until fully cooked. Set aside in a bowl.
Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Wipe the skillet clean and return it to medium-high heat. Add oil, broccoli, onion, and garlic, cooking for 4-5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
Reduce heat to medium-low, slowly whisk in milk cup by cup, allowing the mixture to thicken for about 8 minutes. Then mix in half-and-half, tomato paste, mustard, cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add cooked pasta and ground beef to the skillet, folding into the cheese sauce until well mixed. Serve warm.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for beef.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 540
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 840mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 80mg