Homemade Hamburger Helper

Food Network Magazine claims this recipe is called "Beefy Mac and Cheese." However, this tasted very much like hamburger helper I had as a child. This is quite an indulgent dish, so don't eat this too often or you'll suddenly find yourself with a muffin top. A very hearty meal for a wintry night after running that will warm you right up.

Mmmm- cheesy goodness

Serves 4-- 35 minutes total cooking time
Needs:
kosher salt (don't have)
8 oz. medium pasta shells (I only had small)
3 T unsalted butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 T tomato paste (I only had frozen tomatoes from this summer)
1 T chili powder
8 oz ground beef (I used ground sirloin)
2 T flour
1 cup (1%) milk (I used skim)
21/2 c. shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 8 oz.)
2 T breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
2 scallion (also didn't have)

1. In salted boiling water, cook pasta (reserve 3/4 c cooking water, then drain)
2. Melt 1 T butter on medium heat and cook onion-- 5 minutes
3. Add tomato paste and chili powder stir until bright red--2 minutes
4. Add beef and cook until browned -- 4 minutes
5. Spread mixture in a 3 qt baking dish (could use a deep 2 qt instead)
6. Melt remaining 2 T butter in a pot (important, I used a pan)
7. Add flour--stirring 1 minute
8. Add milk and reserved water, bring to a simmer and cook until thick--2 minutes
9. Add 2 cups of cheese, pasta, and 3/4 t. of salt and stir until cheese melts.
10. Spread over meat mixture, sprinkle with 1/2 c. cheese and breadcrumbs.
11. Broil until golden brown. Top with scallions

Savor this cheesy flavor

** Amendments: Mr. X says, "What's that weird taste in the meat?" I'm assuming he's talking about the chili powder. Since I love chili, I liked it, but it is quite strong, maybe just a couple teaspoons would suffice; or, tell your mate to suck it up and start liking beans, therefore, chili.

FN claims these nutritional facts: 642 calories; 35 fat; 122 cholesterol; 1179 sodium; 54 carbs; 3 fiber; 37 protein-- not exactly healthy, but you can cut back by using sirloin, skim milk, and 2 c. cheese not 2 1/2