Cheeseburger Mac & Roasted Brocc

About This Recipe

This dish is a play on the classic boxed hamburger helper. This specific version uses brown rice penne, ground beef, spinach, and carrots to increase the nutrient density of the meal.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs ground beef (85/15)
• ½ medium onion
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 5 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp oat flour (wheat flour is fine)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1½ cups milk (2%)
• ½ lb brown rice penne (Any pasta will work. I use Trader Joes Brown Rice Penne)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 3 cups spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups broccoli (1-2 bunches)
• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium high heat and add in the ground beef to brown.
2. Cut the onion and carrots into a small dice. Cut the spinach into smaller pieces to break up the leaves. I use shredded carrots to make the chopping easier but regular carrots also work.
3. Once the beef has browned, add in the onion and carrots and cook for 4-5 minutes.
4. Add in the tomato paste, vegetable broth, milk, oat flour, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir to incorporate and raise the heat to bring to a boil.
5. Once the pot has begun to boil, add in the pasta, reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 7-10 minutes or until the noodles have softened. Cook times will vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
6. If you find that there is still a lot of liquid remaining in the pot, remove the lid and allow some of the liquid to boil off.
7. Add the cheese and spinach to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
9. Wash and cut your broccoli into florets. Toss in 1½ tbsp of olive oil. Spread the broccoli on to a couple of sheet pans.
10. Cook the broccoli for 10 minutes then remove from the oven and turn. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
11. This recipe makes 5 servings. Divide your ingredients evenly between 5 containers.