Hamburger (or cheeseburger) Mac

Here is a really easy meal that is sure to be a hit with everyone in your family! You can make it dairy free by omitting the cheese (I happen to LOVE cheese so I always add it, but it is completely optional).


Hamburger (or cheeseburger) Mac

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb (16 oz box) spiral or corkscrew pasta
• 10 oz tomato soup (I used some tomato soup I had in the freezer that I had made awhile ago, you can also use a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes, or a 10.5 oz can of condensed tomato soup - when using condensed soup you will have to also add about 1/2 cup of water. Muir Glenn has a really nice organic soup that is free of HFCS).
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (I use ground turkey, but ground beef would be delicious as well. You might also consider ground chicken).
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. italian herbs
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 3/4 fresh or frozen peas
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pureed butternut squash (optional- I always like to add pureed veggies to meals just to add a little extra nutrition. You cannot taste the squash. It is completely up to you whether you want to add it or not.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. DO NOT RINSE PASTA AFTER DRAINING! When you rinse the pasta, it also rinses off all of the starch needed for sauce to stick to it! In a skillet with deep sides, cook ground meat, onion, italian herbs, and garlic powder in olive oil over medium high heat until meat is cooked through. If using beef, drain off any fat. Add the tomato soup (or crushed tomatoes), peas, and butternut squash (if using), salt and pepper. Cook until peas are heated through over medium heat. Add the pasta and toss to cover with the sauce. Add the cheese (if using) and mix well until melted and well incorporated. Serve with your favorite steamed vegetable on the side! Yummy!

This recipe is also really easy to change up, replace the peas with corn and the italian seasonings with taco seasoning and you have taco mac (when making taco mac I also like to add a can of chopped green chilies and a can of black beans)!

I hope you enjoy! Until next time, happy cooking!