Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

This homemade hamburger helper is a comforting one-pot meal that combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the ground beef and chopped onions to a soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is browned, about 7 to 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there is excess fat, spoon most of it out.
2. Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to high. Once it starts boiling, add the uncooked macaroni.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to maintain a rapid simmer and cook uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes. Let it simmer until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 13 to 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: While the pasta is cooking, grate the cheddar cheese to save time.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for a couple minutes to thicken and meld flavors, or serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream just before stirring in the cheese.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions for added flavor and nutrients.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta becomes tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful blend of tomato paste, spices, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it simmers all ingredients in beef broth until tender and cheesy, delivering a rich and satisfying dish that rivals the store-bought version with fresher ingredients and better taste.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

Seasonings & Sauce

• 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Liquids & Pasta

• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Final Touches

• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef and Onions: Add the lean ground beef and chopped onions to a soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat for about 7-10 minutes, stirring and breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
2. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder, mixing well to coat the meat and onions evenly with the flavorful base.
3. Pour in Beef Broth and Boil: Pour 3 cups of beef broth into the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add Macaroni and Simmer: Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium, maintaining a rapid simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 13-15 minutes.
5. Grate Cheese: While the pasta cooks, grate 2 cups of cheddar cheese to save prep time.
6. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and integrated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes to thicken and meld flavors before serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
• Stir regularly while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne or more chili powder.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, beef macaroni skillet, cheesy hamburger pasta