There's no reason to make that boxed dinner when you can make one that has ingredients that you trust and know. It's an easy weeknight dinner to make when everyone is busy.
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced finely
1 t. salt
1/2 t. ground black pepper
2 t. minced garlic
1 t. Italian seasoning
1 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. chili powder
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. tomato paste
15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes with their juices
2 c. water
3 beef bouillon cubes
2 c. large elbow macaroni, dry
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. whole milk
1 1/2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 T. dried parsley
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium bowl, add water and bouillon cubes; microwave on High for 4 minutes, or until the bouillon cubes are dissolved; set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink; discard grease.
Turn heat to medium; add onion, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasonings, garlic and chili powders; stir; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes; stir. Add the elbow macaroni and beef bouillon broth to the beef mixture; stir. Cover; simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Uncover; stir. Cover; simmer for 5 minutes, or until pasta is cooked and tender. Uncover; stir in sour cream and milk.
Pour half of the beef/pasta mixture into a 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese over the casserole.
Pour the remaining beef and pasta mixture over the top; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the sides of the casserole are bubbling.
8 servings.