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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Made from scratch with pantry staples, it’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering the nostalgic taste of the classic boxed version with fresher and more wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped

Spices & Condiments

  • 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Liquids & Starches

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Dairy

  • 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Onions: Add the lean ground beef and chopped onion to a soup pot and cook over medium-high heat for about 7-10 minutes. Break the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. If excess fat accumulates, spoon most of it out to avoid greasiness.
  2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder evenly into the cooked meat and onion mixture to build a rich flavor base.
  3. Add Broth and Start Boiling: Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to high. Once the mixture reaches a boil, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot.
  4. Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to maintain a rapid simmer (medium heat is ideal). Let the mixture cook uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, which takes about 13-15 minutes.
  5. Grate Cheese: While the pasta cooks, grate the cheddar cheese to save prep time.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and to reduce excess fat.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking for a creamier or lighter sauce.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when adding the spices.

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