Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish without the processed ingredients? This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of the classic, but with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Say goodbye to boxed meals and hello to a quick, easy, and delicious dinner your whole family will love! — Terrell Brown's Partner: Who Is He With?

Why Make Homemade Hamburger Helper?

Let's face it, the boxed stuff is convenient. But homemade Hamburger Helper offers so much more: — Chelsea Meissner Baby: Who's The Father?

• Better Ingredients: You control exactly what goes into your meal, avoiding artificial flavors, preservatives, and excessive sodium.
• Customizable Flavor: Tailor the spices and seasonings to your family's preferences. Add extra cheese, vegetables, or a touch of heat!
• Healthier Choice: Using lean ground beef and whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative) instantly makes this a more nutritious option.
• Surprisingly Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes – just as fast as the boxed version!

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice) and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Incorporate Pasta and Spices: Add elbow macaroni, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Create Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. This prevents clumps!
7. Add Cheese and Milk Mixture: Pour the milk and flour mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers along with the macaroni.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a smoky Gouda.
• Make it Creamier: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
• Try Different Protein: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef.

Make it a Meal!

Serve your homemade Hamburger Helper with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. A crusty bread is also a great addition for soaking up all that cheesy sauce! — DJ Laz: The Story Behind His Iconic Album Covers

Conclusion

This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a game-changer! It's a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food without all the processed ingredients. Give it a try and discover how simple it is to create a wholesome and flavorful meal your family will ask for again and again.

Try this recipe tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below!