Family Fun Night

I think these days we're all looking for a meal that doesn't break the bank. I know that a lot of us turn to the convenience meals like frozen dinners and boxed meals like "Hamburger Helper". I know that I for one have been guilty of using convenience foods to feed my family from time to time. Well I have come up with a casserole that is inexpensive, tastes like Hamburger Helpers and isn't full of all the chemicals of a packaged dinner. Who doesn't like macaroni that is filled with cheese, ground beef and topped with buttery breadcrumbs? I know my family does. This is a simple casserole that can be put together in one skillet and can feed the whole family. Try this for you family tonight.

Homemade Hamburger Helper



1 pound 93% lean ground beef
1/2 box elbow macaroni, cooked
1 15oz can of whole tomatoes
1 package American cheese slices
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 small onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil

Preheat oven to 350. Brown ground beef over medium heat in a little bit of olive oil. Add onion once beef has been browned and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add salt and pepper, tomatoes, american cheese and macaroni and mix well. Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Pour macaroni/beef combination into a casserole dish and top with butter breadcrumbs mixture. Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until breadcrumbs are browned on the top.