Gourmet Hamburger Helper

Ingredients:

For the Ground Beef:

  • 1.5 pounds high-quality ground beef (such as grass-fed or organic)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 8 ounces high-quality pasta (choose a shape like cavatappi, fusilli, or penne)

  • 4 cups beef broth

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and white pepper to taste

For Finishing Touches:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Truffle oil (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ground Beef:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened.

  2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.

  4. Season with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. In a separate pot, bring beef broth to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

  2. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the beef broth.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. In the same pot used for the pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux.

  2. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring a smooth consistency.

  3. Add grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

  4. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

Combine Everything:

  1. Add the cooked ground beef and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

  2. Stir until the pasta and beef are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.

Finish and Serve:

  1. Garnish the Gourmet Hamburger Helper with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh parsley.

  2. For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle truffle oil over the dish just before serving.

  3. Serve in individual bowls, and enjoy your sophisticated twist on the classic Hamburger Helper!