Bougie Hamburger Helper

This is a very fast bolognese sauce with cheddar, that has the feeling of Hamburger Helper, but with a much more powerful taste that you (and kids) will love. I made this for a friend going through a hard time and she (and her son) asked if I could make them a dozen more portions to keep in the freezer for emotional emergencies.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter

• 5 shallots, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1lb lean ground beef

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 cup red wine

• 1 cup milk

• 200g cheddar cheese, grated

• 500g dried pasta, your pick on shape

Method

Set a large pot of water to boil to cook your pasta. Heavily salt the water.

Heat a large, high walled pan (4 quarts or larger) on medium-high heat.

Add the butter, and when it foams add the shallots and garlic. Add a pinch of salt and cook for 5 minutes until softened.

Add the ground beef, 1 tsp salt, and breaking up the beef. Cook until browned.

Add the garlic powder and paprika and stir to coat the pasta.

Add the tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.

Add the red wine and cook for 3–5 minutes until its reduced and thick.

Add the milk, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for another 10 minutes.

While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta to 1 minute less than the directions on its packaging. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water in a mug.

Use a spider strainer to transfer the cooked pasta to the pasta sauce. Add half the cheese. Stir everything until evenly coated and the cheese is melted. If the sauce looks very thick, add pasta water and stir.

If serving immediately, top with cheddar in each bowl.

Alternatively, transfer to freezer-safe containers and top with remaining cheddar. Reheat at 350°F until bubbling in the centre and the cheese is browned.