If you’re like me, you sometimes crave the convenience meals from your childhood. They are certainly not culinary masterpieces, but that doesn’t matter when the craving strikes! But instead of buying the box of preservatives off the shelf at the grocery store, try making it from scratch at home!

For example, this Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper copy cat recipe. The taste rivals the original – if not better! – without any of the high sodium or preservatives. It is delicious, cheesy comfort food 101 without the guilt!

Cleaned-Up Cheeseburger Macaroni
(Original Recipe: The Cozy Cook)

2 C extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Gruyere cheese, grated
1 TBSP flour
1 lb ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
2 TBSP tomato paste
4 C beef broth
1-16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
3/4 C sour cream
1/2 C whole milk
1 TBSP fresh chives, chopped

Toss the shredded cheese with 1 tablespoon of flour and set aside.

In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the onions. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the Worcestershire sauce and the tomato paste and stir until well-combined. Add the beef broth and the uncooked macaroni, stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While the pasta cooks, whisk together the sour cream and the milk in a separate bowl. Once the macaroni is al dente, stir in the milk mixture. Reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for several minutes.

Once thickened, sprinkle in the shredded cheese and chives, stirring to combine. Serve immediately once the cheese is melted and you have a uniform consistency.