Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper

Description: We like Hamburger Helper but we don't like the MSG or other icky ingredients! You can prepare "sauce packets" ahead of time to save time. Increase/alter seasonings and/or cheese to suit your tastes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 92% lean ground beef (or your preferred type)
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, plus more for topping, if desired)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain.
2. Add hot water, milk, pasta and "sauce packet" ingredients.
3. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
4. In the last few minutes of cook time, add cheese, stir and re-cover.
5. When pasta is tender and cheese is melted, remove heat and uncover.
6. Let stand about 5 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it stands.
7. Top with additional cheese if you like.