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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe/