Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 large sweet onion, diced
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces wide egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella

Directions

1. Warm a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, using a spatula or spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once it is browned, move it to a paper towel lined plate, drain it, and set it aside.
2. Using that same pan, add the bell pepper and onion. Cook until they soften and take on a golden color. Stir in the garlic and cook just until it smells fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the salt and pepper, then move the vegetables to a separate plate and set them aside.
3. In the same pan, whisk the chicken broth with the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then whisk in the flour. Continue simmering for about 3 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken a little.
4. Add the egg noodles to the milk mixture. Cover the pan and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir now and then so the noodles stay tucked into the liquid and cook evenly.
5. Return the ground beef, green peppers, and onions to the pan. Stir everything together, then add the shredded cheese and mix until it has melted. Serve immediately.