Homemade Hamburger Helper
Introduction
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and tasty meal that the whole family will love. It’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for busy days. No need to reach for those boxed meals when you can whip up this delicious recipe at home!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Homemade Hamburger Helper from scratch is easy and allows you to control the ingredients. You can make it as cheesy as you like and add any veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s a comfort food that will make your house smell amazing while cooking!
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Directions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with garlic over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add beef broth, water, tomato paste, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni.
- Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for 8-10 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper
This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese or some chopped green onions on top for a little flair!
How to Store Homemade Hamburger Helper
If you have leftovers, let them cool down and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before eating.
Tips to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Use a leaner ground beef to make it healthier.
- Feel free to add in some veggies like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Variation
You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat alternative if you want a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just cook it when you’re ready!
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth and replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein. Enjoy!
