One Pot Beef-less Hamburger Helper

I’m really, really proud of this recipe. It’s got all the hallmarks of deliciousness with a ton of ease thrown in — it’s one pot, takes about 30 minutes total, packed full of flavor — and the best part for those of you South Asian dwellers: IT’S BEEFLESS BUT DOESN’T TASTE LIKE IT. Okay, it has beef flavoring which is essential, BUT you don’t have to have actual ground buffalo or beef to make this. Believe it or not, it’s ground chicken. Brodie Ellis (the husband) is one of my biggest critics. He rarely tells me anything I make is good (even if he enjoys it), and he (quite honestly) rarely asks for seconds. This recipe? He INHALES.

One Pot Beef-less Hamburger Helper

serves 4-6 - 30 minutes

1 kg peeled and diced carrots (optional)

2 tbs olive oil

1 kg ground chicken

12 oz macaroni noodles

1.5 tbs onion powder (or 1 onion diced)

1 tbs tomato paste

10-12 garlic cloves minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

1 tsp paprika

2 cups water

2 beef bouillon cubes (or 2 tbs beef concentrate)

2 cups milk (can use any kind here – almond, coconut, soy, dairy)

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup cream cheese

1. Boil carrots in water until tender, about 15 minutes. Puree in food processor or blender until smooth and set aside. This step is totally optional, and if you choose to not add the carrots, just begin with step 2.

2. Heat the olive oil in a medium/large pot on medium high heat. Add your ground chicken cook about 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Add your onion powder, tomato paste, garlic powder, and paprika. Saute for an additional minute. (see note for using an onion instead of onion powder)

3. Add your water, beef bouillon, milk, pureed carrots, and noodles to the pot and stir. Bring to a boil on medium high, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to low and simmer for around 12-15 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

4. Once the pasta is cooked, turn the heat off the pot and stir in the cheese & cream cheese until they are melted and incorporated to the dish.

5. Serve warm and enjoy!

Note: If using a diced onion, add it to the ground chicken before you add the tomato paste, garlic powder and paprika. Saute the onion and chicken for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent, and then add your spices and tomato paste.