Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper) (593)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (, minced)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 small carrot * (, chopped (optional))
• 1 celery stalk * (, chopped (optional))
• 500 g/ 1 lb ground beef (mince) (, preferably lean)
• 12 oz / 340g dried macaroni (, uncooked)
• 1/2 cup frozen corn * (, optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth/stock, low sodium
• 1 tbsp hot sauce or Sriracha sauce (, adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp American chili powder ((Note 1))
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder (, or sub onion powder)
• 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 - 2 cups (150 - 200g) cheddar or tasty cheese, shredded ((Note 3))
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese (, for topping)
• 1 green onion (, sliced)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook 1 minute. 
3. Add celery and carrot, cook 3 minutes until soft.
4. Increase heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink - 3 minutes.
5. Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT cheese. Stir to combine, add macaroni, then turn down to medium or medium low so it's simmering gently.
6. Cover, cook 8 minutes. Pasta should be just about cooked, and still nice and saucy.
7. Add cheddar cheese, stir. Top with mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover with lid, cook for a further 2 minutes. 
9. Remove from stove. The pasta should now be cooked - tender but firm, not mushy, slick with sauce, not dried out.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, if using.