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Hamburger Helper Homemade: Easy Recipe & Tips

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Homemade Hamburger Helper with ground beef, macaroni, and a cheesy tomato sauce, made from scratch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk (any kind works, I prefer 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the macaroni is fully submerged in the sauce. If not, add a little more beef broth or water until it is.
  8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking.
  9. Check the macaroni for doneness. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or beef broth to reach your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
  10. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  11. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese (if using) until the cheese is melted and smooth.
  12. Let the Hamburger Helper sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt and the sauce to thicken further.
  13. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, if desired.

Notes

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
  • Add vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion.
  • Use different meat: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
  • Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a little bit of Parmesan cheese.
  • Creamier texture: For an even creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
  • Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute. Ensure the beef broth is replaced with vegetable broth.
  • Pasta alternatives: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne.
  • Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and onions as directed. Then, combine all ingredients (except the cheese) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese before serving.
  • One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is designed to be a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup. Just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Freezing Instructions: Let the Hamburger Helper cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little milk or beef broth if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the Hamburger Helper as a main course. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.
  • Adjusting the Salt: Be mindful of the salt content in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Taste the dish before adding any additional salt.
  • Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is not thickening enough, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Preventing Sticking: Stir the Hamburger Helper frequently, especially during the last few minutes of cooking, to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
  • Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

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