Savory ground beef full of umami flavor, a creamy cheese sauce with a subtle kick, and tender pasta noodles create a mouthwatering pasta dish that will make you forget all that store-bought box stuff!
When I was kid, my mom frequently made the classic boxed pasta meal, often referred to as a "helper" meal. These meals were a staple in many households during the 1980s and 1990s, providing a convenient solution for parents juggling numerous responsibilities and who were striving to stretch a pound of meat into a dinner for five. As a busy mom today, it's easy to understand why these types of all-in-one meals were so popular. The simplicity of just adding water or milk and cooking for about 25 minutes is incredibly appealing. I’m a huge fan of 30-minute meals!
However, I don’t know what half of those ingredients are listed on the side of the box. I tried to find the ingredients list from the 1980s and 1990s but couldn’t really find what I was looking for. Even back then, I can’t imagine that they had the best ingredients. But I get it. You do the best with what you have. Sometimes, making the best choice for your family means opting for what's practical and within your means, even if the ingredients are less than ideal.
The ingredients aren't the only thing that has changed in those box meals. With today’s shrinkflation, the box is a mere 5.2 ounces and offers just 4 one-cup servings. In the 1980s and 1990s, the box was 7 ounces and offered 5 one-cup servings. The original price was around $0.60. Nowadays you can find it for about $1.75 upwards to $2.50, depending on your location and grocery store.
Thankfully, with a few pantry ingredients, we’re able to make a homemade version for just pennies on the dollar. With this homemade version, you’ll get more servings and because there’s less junk in it, you’ll feel more full. Not to mention, it takes about the same amount of time to make as it does the store-bought version!
So, let’s get started!
What you’ll need to make this Cheesy Beef and Noodles recipe:
Pasta
I used Campanelle pasta because it’s what I had on hand, and I knew it could hold up to the sauce. You can really use any kind of thick pasta; an egg noodle or penne would work just fine.
Ground Beef
We prefer a lean ground beef; however, ground turkey would also be delicious.
White Wine
Adding a little wine goes a long way! In this recipe, we’re really just using it to help deglaze the pan. If you want to add a little more brightness to the dish, replace the ¼ cup of beef broth with ¼ cup wine. The alcohol will cook out and you’ll be left with delicious flavor. I use the cheap stuff from Aldi!
Butter, Flour, and Mushroom Powder
To thicken the sauce, you’ll want to make a roux with butter and flour. Adding a bit of mushroom powder will help to make a homemade cream of mushroom soup. I make my own mushroom powder by freeze-drying fresh mushrooms and grinding them in my spice grinder. I have used this one in the past. You could also add in fresh or canned mushrooms or just add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to ensure you get that umami flavor. If you are interested in learning more about freeze-drying, you read my honest review HERE.
Buttermilk
For that delicious, creamy consistency, you don’t want to skimp out on this ingredient. It also adds a little note of tanginess that plays well with the savory flavors.
Beef Stock
I make my own beef stock because it’s just so easy to make and tastes so much better than anything found in a store, in my opinion. If you don’t have your own, look for a high-quality organic version at the grocery store.
Nacho Cheese Sauce
We can’t get enough of this homemade sauce y’all! It adds a mild spice and lots of cheesiness to the sauce of this dish. This store-bought version is ok but I highly recommend making your own if you can.
Seasonings
Pantry staples like salt, pepper, and garlic powder provide loads of flavor and are extremely budget-friendly. I use my homemade Caramelized Onion Powder whenever I can, but regular onion powder will get the job done.
Why you’ll love this Cheesy Beef and Noodles recipe:
Deliciously creamy with a subtle kick of spice, this dish is comfort food at its finest!
This is a homemade version similar to that store-bought box stuff but is made with affordable ingredients for pennies on the dollar.
If you’re like me and need quick and easy meals that everyone will enjoy, this dish fits the bill!
What To Serve With Cheesy Beef and Noodles
I like to serve this dish with my Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread and Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas.
How to Bulk-up Cheesy Beef and Noodles
You can add extra nutrition, flavor, and servings by adding in a cup of peas, corn, or broccoli!
If You Enjoy Quick Pasta Dishes Like This, Check Out These Other Favorites
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Noodles
Ingredients
12 ounces campanelle pasta
1 pound ground beef
¼ cup white wine
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon mushroom powder
1 ¼ cups beef broth
¾ cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Caramelized Onion Powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Directions
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Cook pasta for approximately 12 minutes. Drain water.
In a large pan over medium heat, cook ground beef for approximately 7-10 minutes or until well browned. Remove ground beef with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate.
Deglaze pan by carefully adding white wine. Scrap up any stuck-on remnants of the ground beef.
Melt butter in the skillet then add flour and mushroom powder to create a roux. Cook for approximately 2 minutes or until the flour taste has been cooked out.
Carefully add beef broth, buttermilk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in seasonings.
Return ground beef and pasta to pan and mix well to combine.
Gently stir in cheese sauce.
Reduce heat and simmer on low for approximately 5-7 minutes or until sauces begin to thicken.
Remove from heat and allow to sit covered for about 5 minutes before serving.
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