Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick, easy, and comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. Made with lean ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s the perfect one-pan dish for busy nights. This homemade version is better than the box and just as easy to make!
You’ll love the creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta and ground beef, creating a hearty, delicious meal. It’s comfort food at its finest, with the perfect balance of savory flavors.
This homemade Hamburger Helper is simple to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta make it a family-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and quick to make. Plus, it’s much healthier and fresher than the boxed version!
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then add the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the pasta to the skillet, stirring to ensure it’s covered with the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and butter. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to taste.
- Serve the homemade Hamburger Helper hot and enjoy!
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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional for extra flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then add the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the pasta to the skillet, stirring to ensure it’s covered with the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and butter. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to taste.
- Serve the homemade Hamburger Helper hot and enjoy!
Tips for Cooking:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cheese or let the mixture simmer a few extra minutes.
- You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the skillet.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to make and customizable. The creamy cheese sauce and savory beef are perfect with the tender pasta, making it a complete meal in one pan. It’s a great weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
If you’re craving a quick, comforting meal, this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is the way to go. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Serve it up on a busy weeknight and enjoy a dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying!
