Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper

Dinnertime since the fire is kinda haphazard......the other night Steve said, " I think you need to buy some hamburger helper." Maybe that is a clue as to just how bad dinnertime has really been. Since I didn't want to go buy a box of hamburger helper.....I came up with this......

Steve did love this and said, "You need to make this again, it is way better than the stuff in a box".

Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper
1 lb lean hamburger meat
1 pkg taco seasoning (2 T.)
1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies or petite diced tomatoes (I used 10 oz. salsa)
2 cups beef broth or water (I used 1 1/2 c.water & 1 T. Kitchen Bouquet)
1 cup elbow macaroni (I used 1 1/2 c.)
Brown and drain hamburger meat. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer 12-14 mins until macaroni is tender.

Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce….

2 Tablespoons butter
2 tbsp flour
3/4 cup milk (or cream)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking for 5 minutes until fragrant and light brown in color. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Whisk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine.