Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper
This one-pot homemade Hamburger Helper recipe combines lean ground beef and macaroni in a cheesy, tomato-based sauce for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner in under 30 minutes!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef 90-95% or ground turkey/chicken
- 3.6 oz onion 1 medium (1 cup finely chopped) - yellow or white
- 0.4 oz garlic 2 cloves (1/2 Tbsp minced)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp chili powder adjust amount to taste - or red pepper flakes/hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano optional
- 5.9 oz elbow macaroni pasta uncooked (1.5 cups) or other small pasta shapes (cavatappi, penne, fusilli, shells); regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free
- 4 cups beef broth regular or reduced sodium
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated or smoked gouda/pepper jack
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat with the oil (or a splash of broth). Once hot, sauté the onion for 1-2 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the ground beef and spices, breaking it down with your spoon/spatula as it browns. Cook the meat until completely browned (3-4 minutes).Optionally drain any extra grease from the meat if preferred.
- Stir in the tomato paste, add the broth, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once it's boiling, add the pasta to the pan and reduce the heat to medium-high.
- Allow the pasta to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's tender and most excess liquid is absorbed.Adding a lid is a good idea. If you notice it looks too dry, add about ½ more broth.
- Meanwhile, shred the cheddar cheese.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cheddar off the heat – the residual heat should melt it. Leave it to rest for just a few minutes, then enjoy!Give it a final taste test before serving, and adjust any seasonings to taste.
Video
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Smoked paprika: For a subtle yet delicious smokiness. Add to taste.
- Other seasonings: Increase the aromatic flavor with the addition of onion powder and garlic powder added to taste.
- Fresh parsley: To garnish for a hint of freshness.
- Vegetables: Bulk up the recipe with finely sliced/shredded carrots or zucchini, sliced bell peppers or mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, corn, etc.
- Spinach: Added at the end to wilt while the cheese melts.
- Creaminess: Add a small amount of cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream in the last 4-5 minutes.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon or so for tangy depth in the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Add a splash for extra umami and tangy flavor.
- Dill pickles: Finely diced to stir in before serving for extra cheeseburger flavor.
- Vegetarian: Use a vegetarian-friendly minced beef alternative and vegetable broth.
Nutrition
Calories: 584kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 1717mg | Potassium: 790mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 462mg | Iron: 4mg