Homemade Hamburger Helper

For the Base:

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Meat:

• 1 pound Laura's Lean 92/8 Ground Beef
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 can (7 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 3.5 cups beef bone broth

For the Pasta and Cream:

• 1/2 pound protein pipe rigate pasta
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

For Finishing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, thinly sliced
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
   Add 1 pound Laura's Lean 92/8 Ground Beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Break the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Build the Flavor
   Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens. This darkening means the flavors are concentrating and caramelizing. Add 1/2 can (7 ounces) drained diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
4. Add the Broth and Pasta
   Pour 3.5 cups beef bone broth into the skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 pound protein pipe rigate pasta directly to the boiling broth. Stir occasionally and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, tender but still with a slight bite. The pasta should be almost cooked through and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
5. Make it Creamy
   Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Fold in half of the 2 tablespoons fresh chives, reserving the rest for garnish.
6. Serve
   Ladle the hamburger helper into bowls. Top each bowl with additional grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining fresh chives. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side for soaking up every bit of that creamy, savory sauce.

**Where to Buy:** Find Laura's Lean Ground Beef near you at https://www.lauraslean.com/where-to-buy