Homemade Hamburger Helper

1 medium package of extra lean ground beef
3 cups elbow macaroni
3 cups cheddar cheese
4 cups water
1 can cream of mushroom or tomato soup. Any canned cream soup would probably work if you have it. 
1 medium yellow onion
chili powder
garlic powder
onion powder
smoked paprika
chipotle powder
salt
pepper 

Using a large cast iron pot, brown beef and onion, seasoning with the spices. 

Mix in the macaroni and stir, coating the macaroni in the oil and sauce. Add water and return to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Cook for 10-15 minutes, checking periodically. Shortly before the macaroni is cooked, while it still has some "bite" stir in the cheese. Continue cooking on medium-low until the macaroni is soft. You should have a creamy sauce. 

Portion into bowls and let stand for at least 5 minutes to cool. 

- This one is for Kayah who texted me late one afternoon for my homemade hamburger helper recipe. It was a strange irony one day when Kayah found a box of commercial hamburger helper at the grocery store and finally realized why we call it "homemade". She wasn't raised on it like I was!