introduction
Make the cheesy pasta dish of your cravings with this easy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe! It’s a simple and comforting meal that combines pasta and ground beef, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You can also try a delicious variation with different ingredients like tomatoes and spices.
why make this recipe
This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is not only quick to prepare but is also customizable to suit your family’s tastes. It uses basic ingredients you probably already have at home, making it a cost-effective choice. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.
how to make Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the beef broth, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the macaroni to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
how to serve Homemade Hamburger Helper
Serve the Homemade Hamburger Helper hot, straight from the skillet. You can garnish it with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread.
how to store Homemade Hamburger Helper
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions.
tips to make Homemade Hamburger Helper
For a creamier texture, you can add a bit more cheese or try using cream instead of milk. Additionally, using a different type of pasta, like shells or penne, can add a unique twist. If you’re looking for further inspiration, check out other pasta recipes like creamy beef and bowtie pasta.
variation
You can easily make this recipe your own by adding vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or spinach. You could also change the type of cheese for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice, but you can use any cheese you like, including mozzarella or pepper jack.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately, cooking them together just before serving for best results.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and cheesy pasta dish made with ground beef, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the beef broth, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the macaroni to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add more cheese or use cream instead of milk. Feel free to add vegetables for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
