Homemade Hamburger Helper
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and easy meal that brings comfort food to your dinner table. This dish combines savory ground beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness in one pot. Perfect for busy weekdays, it is a one-stop recipe that the whole family will love!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Homemade Hamburger Helper is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, requires simple ingredients, and can be customized to fit your taste. Plus, it’s much healthier compared to store-bought versions since you control the ingredients.
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2-2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 scoop minced garlic
- Seasonings of your choice
- 1 TBSP corn starch
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups macaroni noodles or any noodles
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Directions:
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is softened.
- Season with your choice of seasonings.
- Stir in corn starch, chicken or beef broth, and milk; bring to a boil.
- Add the macaroni noodles, cooking according to package instructions.
- Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper
Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper hot from the skillet. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. For a fun twist, top with extra cheese or crushed chips for added texture!
How to Store Homemade Hamburger Helper
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by using veggie crumbles instead of ground beef and vegetable broth. You can also swap out the pasta for gluten-free options if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.
2. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, including shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.
3. How do I make it spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños when cooking the ground beef.
