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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring browned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich blend of tomato paste and spices, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This hearty dish comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Onions: In a soup pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon until the beef is fully browned. If excess fat accumulates, carefully spoon most of it out for a leaner dish.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed and the tomato paste coats the meat well.
  3. Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to high. Once the mixture reaches a boil, carefully add the uncooked elbow macaroni.
  4. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium to maintain a rapid simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, approximately 13-15 minutes.
  5. Grate Cheese: While the pasta cooks, grate the cheddar cheese to save prep time after cooking.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a healthier option.
  • Feel free to substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
  • For added vegetables, consider stirring in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream along with the cheese.
  • Stir frequently when simmering to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom.

Keywords: Homemade Hamburger Helper, Beef Pasta, One Pot Meal, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Ground Beef Recipe

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