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–+ servings

Homemade Hamburger Helper

A comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce for a quick and satisfying dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef and Pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for less grease.
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Uncooked.
  • 3 cups beef broth Low sodium recommended.
  • 1 cup milk Whole milk for creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the beef.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar adds more flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For flavor enhancement.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder For flavor enhancement.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika For a hint of smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground preferred.

Method
 

Cook the Beef
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef.
  2. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through. This step ensures the beef is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.
Add Pasta and Broth
  1. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the cooked beef.
  2. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. After the pasta is cooked, stir in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will create a creamy base for the cheese to melt into.
  2. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. This ensures the cheese incorporates evenly and creates a creamy texture.
Serve
  1. Once the cheese sauce is fully incorporated and creamy, remove from heat.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your homemade Hamburger Helper!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

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