Cheesy Beef Helper Recipe

Beef is expensive.  We mostly use ground beef for the majority of our recipes because it is quick and easy.  This meal is packed with flavor, and it is just as easy to make without opening a box and dumping things into the skillet.  This meal is comfort food. There is nothing better than getting a big bowl of this cheesy beef helper and spending time with my family.  

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs. flour
3 Tsp. smoked paprika
2 tsp. thyme
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
4 Tbs. tomato paste
4 c. beef stock
3/4 half-and-half or evaporated milk
1/4 c. sour cream
12 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c. macaroni, uncooked
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

 In a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.

Stir in the flour, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, onion powder and garlic powder.  

Mix in tomato paste. 

Pour in beef stock and add the macaroni.  Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired thickness.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in half-and-half, sour cream and cheddar cheese.  Cook and stir over low heat until the cheese melts.

Serve and enjoy.