Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and satisfying dish that can be made quickly and easily. This classic meal combines savory ground beef, pasta, and cheese in a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to love Homemade Hamburger Helper. First, it’s a budget-friendly meal that uses simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Second, it’s a one-pan dish, so there’s less cleanup to worry about. Lastly, you can easily customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and make it even healthier or tastier than store-bought versions.

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:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the tomato paste. Stir until well mixed.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the elbow macaroni. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm.

How to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is best served warm straight from the skillet. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side of salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Sprinkle some extra cheese or fresh parsley on top for an added touch!

How to Store Homemade Hamburger Helper

To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stove until warmed through.

Tips to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

• For extra flavor, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish while it cooks.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cheese.
• You can use different types of pasta if you don’t have elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Variation

You can easily adjust this recipe to make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or by using beans for protein. Adding different spices can also change the flavor profile; for instance, consider using taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese can give it a different flavor and texture.

2. How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef and add more vegetables for extra nutrients. Whole grain pasta is also a great option.

3. Is there a quick way to make this?

You can speed up the prep by using pre-cooked ground beef or canned vegetables. This will reduce cooking time while still keeping it tasty.