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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper
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This easy Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick, comforting, and family-friendly dinner that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and customizable to suit dietary preferences, making it the perfect hearty meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • 1 cup milk

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor.
  3. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly to deepen flavors and create a robust base.
  4. Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the elbow macaroni, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and mostly absorbed the liquid.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Milk: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce that coats all the pasta and beef.

Notes

  • Use fresh cheese and quality ground beef for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta—keep it tender but not mushy.
  • Season gradually to build layered flavors.
  • Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even creamy texture.
  • For creamier sauce, try adding sour cream or cream cheese blends.

Nutrition

Keywords: Homemade Hamburger Helper, ground beef pasta, creamy beef pasta, quick family dinner, easy weeknight meal, comforting recipe

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