Okay, let me tell you, some nights, you just crave that comforting, cheesy goodness. You know, that boxed stuff from your childhood? Is the homemade version better? Is it healthier than ordering takeout? When I tell them we’re having a bad day, they are scared.Homemade Hamburger Helper.Is it like mac and cheese but with GROUND BEEF? I always sneak in extra veggies too, which they never notice! What’s a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights?
What is a Hamburger Helper?
Think of it as a supercharged mac and cheese with Ground Beef. What is essentially a one-pot meal where you brown the beef, add some pasta (usually elbow macaroni, if you like) and serve it. Is it possible to be creative? ), cheese, and a creamy sauce. Why is the name convenience factor used? How can I make a delicious smoothie with just few ingredients? Is this a boxed version?Homemade Hamburger Helper.Is the real deal, using fresh ingredients and tasting infinitely better.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is a creamy, cheesy sauce for Ground Beef? What is comfort food at its best? What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is to make. If you can brown ground beef, you could make this. I’m a beginner cook. I want to learn something new. What should I do? And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency. Is ground beef cheap? What are the ingredients in your pantry? What is a great way to stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor? Can you customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste? Sometimes I add diced tomatoes or a handful of spinach. It’s endlessly adaptable. Is it better than my old standby of boxed mac and cheese and hot dogs?
How do I make a Hamburger Helper?
Quick Overview
Making Homemade Hamburger Helper.Is it incredibly simple? What is the best way to brown Ground Beef, add sauce ingredients, simmer until pasta is cooked through. Is it necessary to stir in the cheese? What is the best way to do it in 30 minutes? What’s the best thing about cooking in one pot? This method is special because it creates a rich, creamy sauce without any pre-made cream soups. What is the best thing to do in one pot?
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is my go-to for flavor) * 3 oz. Ground Chicken (60/20) is the best
* 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white works great)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best!)
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)*
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is ideal)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (make sure it’s plain tomato, not pasta sauce)
* 2 cups beef broth (low sodium is preferred)
* 1 cup milk (I use 2%, but any kind works)
* 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or other small pasta shape)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my favorite)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. What are some ways to break up a cooked meat with the help of your spoon? How do I drain off grease?Homemade Hamburger Helper.!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. I know I am on the right track. The aroma at this point is just heavenly! This is an important step – don’t skip it! What is the best way to sauté onions and garlic?
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. How do you bloom spices? I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat – totally optional, but adds an interesting flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
How do you add the tomato sauce, beef broth, and milk to a saucepan?
Step 5: Add Pasta
Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. What happens if the liquid has been absorbed? How do I prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet? No one wants burnt pasta.
Step 6: Stir in Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and smooth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I like to add cheese in batches to ensure it melts evenly. How do I make a thick sauce?
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese or chopped fresh parsley. I always let it sit for a few minutes before serving, it helps the sauce thicken up even more.
What to Serve It With
Homemade Hamburger Helper.Is a complete meal in itself? What are some great side dishes to serve on a weeknight? What’s better, try it with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks? What are some good side dishes to serve with corn on the cob?For a Casual Meal:Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.For a Family Gathering:What’s a good bowl of coleslaw and garlic bread?For a Cozy Night In:What are some good side dishes to serve with tomato soup?
How do I make a Hamburger Helper?
Beef Quality: Using a good quality ground beef makes all the difference. I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to add a little extra olive oil to the skillet to prevent it from sticking.
Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta! Nobody likes mushy Homemade Hamburger Helper. Cook it until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. I usually check it a few minutes before the recommended cooking time on the package.
Cheese Choices: Cheddar is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick. Adding a small amount of cream cheese or Velveeta can also make the sauce extra creamy.
Vegetable Variations: Don’t be afraid to add vegetables! Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are all great additions. I usually add them when I sauté the onions and garlic.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Broth Basics: Beef broth is my go-to for this recipe, but you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly. I find that beef broth adds the most depth of flavor.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra milk or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to allow it to reduce. I always start with less liquid and add more as needed.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it. It tends to thicken up in the fridge, so you may need to add a little extra liquid when reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a tablespoon or two of milk or broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little milk or broth and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Freezing: Homemade Hamburger Helper can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above. Freezing can sometimes affect the texture of the pasta, so it may be a little softer than freshly made.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze to worry about, you can focus on storing it properly to maintain the best texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before packing it up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe a try! It’s a family favorite for a reason: it’s easy, delicious, and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that everyone enjoys, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. It’s so much better than the boxed stuff, and you know exactly what ingredients are going into it. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other comfort food recipes, like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my One-Pot Chicken and Rice. They’re all easy to make and guaranteed to please. Happy cooking!
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper Like a Pro: 5 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 1 cup Elbow Macaroni Uncooked
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 cups Beef Broth Low sodium
- 1 cup Milk 2% or whole milk
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Sharp cheddar recommended
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.25 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt Or to taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the beef broth and milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to combine, making sure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken further.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
