Description
A homemade version of the classic comfort dish, this Hamburger Helper is made with savory ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich, creamy sauce. Quick to make and full of flavor, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Hamburger Helper:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean or your preferred fat content)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 2 cups beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk for creaminess, or any milk of your choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or diced bell peppers for added veggies
Instructions
Start by heating a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula or spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles. Cook the beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary. You can leave a small amount of fat in the pan for flavor, but be sure to remove any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Add the chopped onion to the pan with the beef. Sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Once the onion and garlic are cooked, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir it into the beef and onion mixture, coating the pasta with the beef and aromatics. This step helps the pasta absorb some of the savory flavors.
Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. The liquid will create the base of the creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time to add the cheese and seasonings. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese) over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Next, add the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’d like to add some extra flavor, sprinkle in a teaspoon of dried parsley for a touch of freshness.
If you’re adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers, now is the time to stir them in. Frozen peas work great for this dish, and diced bell peppers add a nice crunch and a pop of color.
Let the dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese sauce to thicken and coat the pasta. Stir everything together to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed and the pasta is fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for another few minutes. If you’d like it creamier, you can add a little more milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Once everything is cooked through and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, serve your Homemade Hamburger Helper immediately. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional cheese, if desired, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
For extra flair, you can top your Hamburger Helper with some grated Parmesan cheese or a few fresh herbs. If you want a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 22-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 25-30g