Low Carb Hamburger Helper

This recipe is heavy so it’s not something I would eat often but it is so delicious and worth every step! I found this recipe on another blog years ago and overtime have tweaked it a bit to my liking.

Ingredients

Beef and Pasta ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup of great low carb bread company elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce ingredients

  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • optional toppings: bacon crumbles

Instructions

In a large skillet or dutch oven, over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain the excess grease and return the skillet.

Add the paprika, onion powder, garlic power and your preferred amount of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste and water.

Cook the desired amount of pasta as directed on the box. Drain and rinse then add to the skillet with ground beef.

Prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream until smooth. The sauce will start to form bubbles, continue whisking and reduce heat to low. Quickly stir in the shredded cheese and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Turn off the heat and continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the mixture is completely smooth. It will be about the thickness of melted Velveeta or queso.

Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the ground beef and pasta mixture.  Remove from heat and top with crumbled bacon, if desired.

If you would like to see the original recipe using shredded cabbage for an even lower carb version. Click link below.