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Deliciously Organic: Cheesy Beef and Pasta

Deliciously Organic

A blog devoted entirely to simple, wholesome, organic cooking.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Cheesy Beef and Pasta


How many of you have purchased a cardboard box with pasta and a "seasoning mix" hoping for a quick but wholesome meal? I think we might all be able to raise our hands. I bought them early in my marriage, even though I was already an experienced cook. I look back now and I can't really understand why I did, but I think the convenience allured me. Let's admit, the concept is pretty fabulous - brown some meat, pour in water, milk, seasoning, and pasta. Twenty minutes later you have dinner. Plus they come in so many different flavors. Have you read the ingredients though?  


Last week I was working on recipes that are healthier than the boxed versions and can still be on the table in 20 minutes. The first one I came up with is Cheesy Beef and Pasta (I'm working on other flavors). It's not gourmet, but it tastes so darned good and will probably take you back to your childhood a little. It was a huge hit with the kids, they ate every last piece of pasta left in the pot. It's a great meal for those hurried nights when you want to get something on the table without all the fuss. Make a quick salad while the pasta's cooking then scoop ladles full in bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream. Dinner. Done.

Cheesy Beef and Pasta "Hamburger Helper"
Serves 6

1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 onion, diced
1 pound ground beef

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces whole wheat or rice pasta
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream or creme fraiche
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add beef to pan, break apart meat, and cook until browned. Make a well in the center of the pan and add the garlic, paprika and salt. Stir in the middle of the pan until fragrant, about 30 seconds, and then stir spices into the beef mixture. Whisk together hot water and arrowroot and pour into beef mixture. Stir in milk, cream and pasta. Bring to a boil and then decrease heat to low and place lid on top. Cook for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Remove pot form heat and stir in cheese and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

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16 Comments:

Blogger Maria said...

SO much better than the boxed stuff!

September 24, 2010 at 7:57 AM  
Anonymous Erika said...

Yum! Could eat a panful of this right now :) Looking forward to seeing other versions of this - so great for a quick weeknight meal.

September 24, 2010 at 8:08 AM  
Blogger WillyP & me said...

Excellent - I definitely need more recipes like this! Thanks Carrie.

September 24, 2010 at 8:14 AM  
Blogger Rebecca T said...

I do a quick one with organic jarred spaghetti sauce. add it to browned ground beef, pasta and about 1 c. water. top with some cheese! easy peasy!

September 24, 2010 at 9:55 AM  
Anonymous Jennifer (Savor) said...

We personally appreciate meals and recipes that are not gourmet in any way. Thanks!

September 24, 2010 at 8:20 PM  
Anonymous marla {family fresh cooking} said...

Of course we are all guilty of popping open boxes of "stuff" especially back in college. Thankfully not these days. This recipe looks great. My whole family would enjoy this Cheesy Beef and Pasta.

September 24, 2010 at 8:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Made this for dinner tonight. It was wonderful. Thanks for sharing =)

September 26, 2010 at 5:40 AM  
Anonymous Elizabeth A said...

I'm gonna have to go the store and make this tonight for family dinner. Looks Amazing!

September 26, 2010 at 5:49 AM  
Blogger Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer said...

We were channeling the same taste buds and recipe posts, hahaha. Looks great!

September 26, 2010 at 3:15 PM  
Blogger Active Foodie said...

I have a confession, this is my ULTIMATE comfort food! I have a secret love for Velveeta shells and cheese, so this is a perfect alternative! Your pictures are looking BEAUTIFUL by the way!!!!

September 27, 2010 at 6:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love your simple recipes!!! My daughter is an incredibly picky eater and she ACTUALLY ate this! She usually won't touch anything with meat in it. It was wonderful as well as quick and easy to prepare. Thanks!!!

September 27, 2010 at 6:33 PM  
Anonymous Gourmet Nuts said...

I made this for my husband a few weeks ago and he devoured it! ..keeps begging me to make it again so i will of course oblige:)

September 28, 2010 at 10:24 PM  
Anonymous Sue said...

Made this for dinner and my husband loved it! So tasty! Can't wait for your cookbook!!!

October 3, 2010 at 9:34 AM  
Blogger Katie M. said...

We had this for dinner tonight and thought it was great. Nate said it was perfect, and it was easy enough to memorize in one night. And can't beat the one pan cleanup! We'll be making this again. Thank you!

October 4, 2010 at 7:27 PM  
Blogger Katie M. said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

October 4, 2010 at 7:28 PM  
Anonymous Vicki said...

The perfect bowl of comfort food on a chilly Fall night! This is a new family favorite.

October 6, 2010 at 9:04 PM  

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