While the pasta is cooking. In a extra large skillet or large pot brown the ground beef by sauteing for 5 minutes on high heat. Mix occasionally and ensure you are breaking up the ground beef with a spoon or spatula.
Next, add in the garlic and onions and saute for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
Bringing it All Together:
Lower to medium heat and add in the marinara sauce and cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
Next, add in the cooked elbow pasta and cheddar cheese and cook for 2 minutes, mixing occasionally.
To Serve:
Sprinkle granted cheese over the pasta mixture and serve family style in a large bowl, or in individual portions.
Notes
Invent Your Recipe:Hamburger helper just brings you back to childhood. This version of hamburger helper is very simple with just a few common ingredients. You can easily move away from this traditional recipe by adding in some vegetables, such as, peas, broccoli, peppers, or green beans.For the base of this recipe I went with marinara sauce for its ease and great flavor. I have also made this recipe with tomato paste (mixed with red wine), diced tomatoes, or fresh tomatoes.