Healthier Hamburger Helper

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked whole grain macaroni
• 1 large onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 4 oz whole or sliced mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1 tsp salt free italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup reduced fat milk
• 2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups loose packed chopped spinach

Preparation

Step 1

cook macaroni in lightly salted boiling water according to package directions. In a food processor, pulse onion, mushrooms and garlic until chopped but not pulverized. Saute blended vegetables in oil in a large skillet until tender, five mins. Add ground beef, italian seasoning, salt and pepper flakes; heat and stir until beef is cooked through. in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and milk; heat one minute. stir in cheese until melted. pour cheese mixture over beef mixture in skillet and stir to combine. Add spinach and heat just until wilted.

serve beef mixture over macaroni