Creamy Beef and Cheese

This recipe will remind you of the boxed mixes, the one with the helping hand on the front.  But with this recipe, you control the ingredients that go in. You can change the recipe to a more Italian flavor by adding Italian seasoning. Or a Tex-Mex flavor by adding chili powder and cumin. This is an easy recipe to make and one that your family will love.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 c. beef broth
3 2/3 c. dried pasta, macaroni, or shells
1 (15 ox.) can tomato sauce
4 Tbs. tomato paste
2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c. heavy cream or evaporated milk

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, cook ground beef and onion until the beef is fully cooked.

Season with garlic powder, and onion powder.  Mix thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour in beef broth.  Add the pasta and tomato sauce.  Mix until combined.

Turn the heat to medium high and bring to a bubble. Cover and reduce heat to medium low. Stirring occasionally, cook 8 to 10 minutes or until the sauce is thickened, and the pasta is tender.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream or evaporated milk and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. 

Serve and enjoy. 

Notes

If the sauce is too thin, you can add more tomato paste, or leave the lid off before adding the heavy cream to allow it to cook down. 

Add some peas or mushroom to the dish for flavor and color.

Use the flavored tomato sauce for a boost of flavor.