Gourmet Hamburger Helper: An Upgrade for Nostalgic Adults

Yield: Serves 6

Active Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Beef and Onion Base:

• 1 cup neutral oil (240ml)
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 8 garlic cloves, smashed
• 7 oz pancetta, smoked bacon, or guanciale, diced (200g)
• 1 lb ground beef (450g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Macaroni:

• 4 cups beef broth (1 liter)
• 3/4 cup IL MIG+ hot sauce (200ml)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (200ml)
• 12 oz macaroni noodles (350g)

For Finishing:

• 7 slices American cheese
• 5 oz finely grated young cheddar cheese (150g)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8g)
• 1 bunch chopped chives or parsley
• Fried onions (optional)

Directions

For the Beef and Onion Base:

1. Cook the onions and pancetta: Heat 1 cup (240ml) oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
2. Add garlic and pancetta: Add smashed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 7 oz (200g) diced pancetta (or bacon/guanciale) and cook until crispy. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Brown the beef: Add 1 lb (450g) ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and drain any excess fat.

For the Macaroni:

1. Simmer with broth and sauce: Pour in 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth, 3/4 cup (200ml) IL MIG+ hot sauce, and 3/4 cup (200ml) heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Cook the pasta: Add 12 oz (350g) macaroni noodles and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Keep hot water nearby to add if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking.

For Finishing:

1. Add cheese and cornstarch: Turn off the heat and stir in 7 slices of American cheese, 5 oz (150g) grated cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Garnish and serve: Stir in chopped chives or parsley and top with fried onions if using. Serve immediately.