Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pot meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a delicious homemade version of the classic family favorite, ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Grease: If necessary, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Combine Tomato Ingredients: Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to incorporate everything evenly.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer the Dish: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they melt completely and the sauce is creamy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish stand for 2–3 minutes to thicken and for the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a healthier substitute for ground beef.
- Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, incorporate chili flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen the sauce.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
