NovemBEEF 2025 is here!
Introducing: Novembeef! We’ve never done Novembeef before, but you all loved Crocktober so much, I figured… why stop the fun now? Let’s do it again, just with beef this time.
Every week in November, we’re making one easy, family-friendly beef recipe together. Because eating at home is still one of our biggest goals. It saves money, it’s usually healthier, and most importantly… it gets us around the dinner table as a family.
Would you make them with me?
If you do, share your recreations on Instagram and tag me @the_car_mom so we can swap ideas and cheer each other on.
If you loved Crocktober… you already know the vibe.
If you’re new, welcome! We ditch the takeout, we save a little money, and we make dinner feel just a bit easier.
NovemBEEF Recipe #1 - Homemade Hamburger Helper from Salt & Lavender
A one-pot, kid-approved, budget-friendly classic. YES, it’s that same comfort meal you remember, just made at home with real ingredients.
You Will Need
Ingredients:
▢ 1 pound lean ground beef
▢ 1/2 medium onion, chopped
▢ 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
▢ 3 cups beef broth
▢ 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
▢ 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
▢ Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make It
1. Add the beef and onions to a soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat until browned (about 7-10 minutes), breaking it up with your spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder.
3. Add in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Once bubbling, add the macaroni.
4. Reduce heat to a rapid simmer (medium heat is usually perfect). Cook uncovered 13-15 minutes, stirring every couple minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
5. While it cooks, grate the cheese (freshly grated melts way better than bagged).
6. Remove from heat, stir in the cheese, and season with salt & pepper. Let it sit for 2 minutes so it thickens up… then serve!
Serves 4-6 depending on the portion size.
Tip: As with any one-pot meal, ingredients and stoves vary. If it starts to look dry before the pasta is cooked, just add more liquid 1/2 cup at a time.