Kicked Up Hamburger Helper

A flavorful twist on the classic Hamburger Helper with ground chuck, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh basil.

By @emeril

Original recipe source

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground chuck
• 0 salt
• 0 freshly ground black pepper
• 0 Emeril’s Original Essence
• 0.5 cup shallots
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1.5 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons bleached all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0 salt
• 0 freshly ground black pepper
• 0.625 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 0.5 pound dried ziti or penne, cooked al dente and drained
• 0.625 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

1. Preheat an air fryer or the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Generously butter a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter.
3. Add the olive oil to a large skillet or sauté pan over medium high heat.
4. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Essence, and cook, stirring, until about halfway cooked through.
5. Add the shallots, garlic, remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter and the flour and cook, stirring, without browning the flour, for about 4 minutes.
6. Whisk in the milk, little by little, and cook until the sauce returns to a boil and thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Season to taste with salt and pepper and whisk in 1/2 of the grated cheese.
8. Remove from the heat, add the drained pasta, stir to combine well, then transfer to the prepared baking pan.
9. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
10. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.