Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and hearty meal combining browned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting one-pot dish perfect for busy weeknights, offering a homemade twist on the classic boxed meal without any preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 small onions, diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 4 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until onions become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything well to evenly coat the beef and onions with the flavors.
- Combine Liquids: Pour in the milk and beef broth (or water). Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use beef broth for richer flavor, or water as a substitute.
- Stir frequently once macaroni is added to prevent sticking to the bottom.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
