Homemade Hamburger Helper (26 Minutes)

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Bring a touch of homemade comfort to your table with this easy and satisfying Hamburger Helper-inspired dish. Using elbow macaroni and a savory, cheesy beef sauce, this one-pot meal is a crowd-pleaser that’s more wholesome than its boxed counterpart. It’s quick to whip up for a hearty weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 21 minutes
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef (5 minutes): In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
  2. Add Pasta and Liquids (2 minutes): Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer (15 minutes): Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Make It Creamy (3 minutes): Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  5. Garnish and Serve (1 minute): Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

This homemade version of Hamburger Helper is filled with the flavors of home-cooked comfort. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that’s perfect for when you need a filling dinner on the table without a lot of fuss.

For an even heartier dish, you can add vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn during the simmering stage. If you’re looking to cut down on fat, opt for low-fat beef and cheese alternatives. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the ease of this beloved classic with a homemade twist.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Pair this with...

Roasted Asparagus with Sea Salt

Start by preheating your oven. Take fresh asparagus spears, snap off the tough ends, and lay them out on a baking sheet. A little drizzle of olive oil goes a long way in giving them a lovely coat. Now, for the pièce de résistance, sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the top. It not only elevates the flavor but also gives a delightful crunch. Pop them in the oven and roast until they're tender yet crisp, with hints of golden brown at the tips. The result? A dish that's vibrant in color, rich in flavor, and just a touch fancy.

Fresh Spinach Salad

Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

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