CopyCat Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper

This morning I'm again looking over a bunch of 'draft' files of recipes I've had forever I want to post so they are in my online collection but I haven't made myself yet.  Some of them I've had for so many years that we don't eat some of the products anymore, sometimes an ingredient isn't even made anymore and still others I collected when the kids were younger - and that particular child may have already moved out. This is one of those.

This one is actually for my son. It's easy and quick.

CopyCat Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper

1 lb lean ground beef
1 c hot water
2 c milk
1 1⁄2 c elbow macaroni
1 T corn starch
2 t paprika
1 t onion powder
1 t garlic powder
1 t salt
1 t sugar
1 c cheddar cheese, shredded


Brown ground beef in a large skillet, drain. Add hot water, milk, macaroni, corn starch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. In the last few minutes of cooking time, add cheese, stir, and re-cover. When the cheese is melted, remove from heat and uncover. Let stand for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Top with additional cheese, if desired.