Cheeseburger "Mock"-aroni

I invented this recipe years ago, when I was still eating pasta.  I love Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper, but as the boxes got smaller and smaller I decided to try my hand at making it from scratch.  The end results were quite satisfactory in my household, and became a regular item on the menu.  At least, until I started eating keto and had to set aside my beloved pasta dishes.

Then a few weeks ago I saw a recipe for a mock macaroni and cheese using cauliflower instead of noodles.  Eureka!  I tried it tonight, and it was scrumptious; more al dente than pasta, and more filling too.  I hope you like it as much as I do!




Cheeseburger Mock-a-Roni
1 lb ground beef
1 head cauliflower
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp ketchup
1/2 tsp pickle juice or relish, if desired
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Dash paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

In a small pot, bring 1 qt water to boil.  Chop the cauliflower into small florets; boil 5 minutes; drain and set aside.

While the cauliflower is boiling, brown the ground beef in a large saucepan.  Drain and set aside.

In the same saucepan, melt the cream cheese into the sour cream over very low heat.  Add the cheddar cheese and raise heat slightly, stirring till all is melted smoothly together.  Add seasonings.  Mix in the ground beef and cauliflower.

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If you have family members who simply won't eat cauliflower, you can prepare 1 1/2 cups elbow noodles instead.  But you eat the cauliflower; it's good for you, and your waistline will thank you for it.  I couldn't stop eating it myself; it took everything I had to save some for lunch tomorrow.  In fact, I wish I'd taken a picture; I'll add one the next time I make this.