Don't Tell Monkey

About once a week, or maybe every other week, I let Alex pick an entire meal. Now for a kid who will eat anything I put in front of him, it's not always guaranteed he's going to pick something other kids would. He's got such a varied palate that he can come up with some adult worthy meals. Heck, he's even been known to request my Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts. However, he is only 7 and sometimes that child appetite comes shining through. The most recent example of this is when his choice was none other than Hamburger Helper. Now I will admit, I've made this boxed meal before, how else would he know he likes it??!! And I think there is nothing wrong with using it on a busy night when you've got hungry mouths to feed and no time to do so. But this time I just wasn't in the mood, so I decided to do a homemade version of it...and he never knew the difference! He gobbled up every last bite just like if it had come straight from the box! And the funniest part? He even proclaimed "Mommy you should blog this", thinking he was being silly telling me to blog something prepackaged. Little did he know that was exactly what I had planned all along! So it's our little secret, okay??!!

Cheeseburger Macaroni From Kevin & Amanda
1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 small can diced tomatoes
2 c. beef broth
1 c. elbow macaroni ( I like jumbo sized)
2 TBS butter
2 TBS flour
3/4 c milk
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a medium skillet, brown ground beef. Drain if necessary. Stir in taco seasoning, tomatoes, broth and macaroni. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer 12-14 minutes until macaroni is tender. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 5 minutes until light brown.. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Whisk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box July 17, 2012
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain July 18, 2012 
Shared on The Country Cook July 21, 2012

Ground Beef at Very Good Recipes
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