GRANDMA'S HAMBURGER & NOODLES

My grandma used to make this dish for my mom when she was growing up.  My mom made this dish from my brother's, sister and I when we were growing up.  And now I have started to make this dish for my family.  I started really craving this dish when I became pregnant.  My whole family was up at the cabin this summer and my mom was taking requests as to what we all would like to eat for our dinners while we were up there.  I immediately told her that her Hamburger & Noodles were a must!  I recently just made it again for my family and it is a huge hit!  This dish comes from the Swedish/German side of my family instead of my usual Italian side.  It is so comforting! I want to say it is almost like Shephards Pie deconstructed, but instead of mashed potatoes you use pasta.  Also, if you double it like I do you will have left overs for dinners and lunches for a few days.  My husband is not a big left overs fan.  He will eat leftovers the next day only.  But when I make Hamburger & Noodles he will eat them for dinner the next night and then lunch for the next few days.  The secret ingredient (which is not so secret anymore) is spice - Allspice.  It adds a flavor to this dish that really makes it unique.  We also garnish with some Lesuer peas and fresh grated parmesan cheese.  This is the only way my daughters will eat peas.  Everyone in my family loves this dish....please try it with your family, I know they will love it too!




GRANDMA'S HAMBURGER & NOODLES  

• 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium sized onion - chopped
• 2 garlic cloves - chopped fine
• 10 baby carrots - halved
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/2 tsp. all spice
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1-2 TB. flour
• 1 lb. elbow noodles
• Lesuer peas & fresh grated parmesan for garnish

1. In a large skillet brow the ground beef/turkey.  If you use ground beef you will probably have to drain off some of the fat.
2. Add the onions and garlic and cook for about 3 minutes.
3. Add carrots, beef broth, all spice, salt and pepper.  Stir; and simmer until carrots are tender; about 20 minutes.
4. Add flour to a 1/4 cup of cold water.  Whisk until smooth.  Add the flour mixture to the beef mixture. Stir well.  Simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens a bit.
5. Cook the elbow noodles al'dente and drain.
6. Place noodles in a serving bowl and ladle the beef mixture over the noodles. 
7. Garnish with a can of Lesuer peas and some fresh grated parmesan cheese.