Recipes: Homemade Hamburger Helper

Whipping up a delightful meal in less than 30 minutes has never been easier with our homemade hamburger helper recipe!

A Beefy One Potter Mac ‘O Cheesy for those Hectic Days

As for Why the name is Hamburger Helper 

I am not sure, but it looks delicious...

Experience the convenience of this homemade hamburger helper dish, tailored perfectly for those hectic weeknights. This hearty creation is brimming with delectable pantry essentials, all without the fuss of intricate ingredients.

Transforming your kitchen into a haven of flavors, this homemade casserole is a true one-pot wonder. With just one skillet, you can create this masterpiece, ensuring minimal mess and cleanup.

Ditch the store-bought version – our copycat hamburger helper recipe is crafted from scratch, utilizing only a handful of uncomplicated ingredients. Not only is it budget-friendly, but you can also amplify the portions by adding more pasta and sauce for an extended feast.

Fear not the ticking clock; this dinner option rivals the speed of its boxed counterpart, gracing your table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni Ground Beef – Opt for lean ground beef, and after cooking, drain off any excess fat. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.

Sauce – Simmer the pasta with an array of seasonings in chicken broth and milk until it reaches the desired tenderness. While beef broth can be an alternative, we’ve found that chicken broth imparts the most exquisite flavor.

Cheese – Once the pasta reaches its ideal texture, introduce the cheese into the mix. For an extra punch of flavor, experiment with bold cheeses like sharp cheddar. Feel free to explore various cheese options, ensuring at least one offers a rich and sharp profile.

Seasonings – Elevate the taste with a blend of salt, paprika, and pepper – the trio that forms the heart of this stove-top casserole. Should you desire an additional layer of taste, consider incorporating some hamburger helper or a packet of instant soup.

Variations For heightened creaminess, swap out the milk for light cream. Alternatively, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving can offer a delightful tangy twist.

If you’re in the mood to experiment, modify the seasonings with a tablespoon of tomato paste or a teaspoon of dijon mustard – a simple step that can yield remarkable flavor enhancements.

Liven up the dish with a burst of freshness by incorporating vegetables like onions, celery, or tomatoes.

Ingredients

– 1 pound lean ground beef
– ⅔ cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium)
– 2 cups milk
– 1 ¼ cup chicken broth
– 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– 1 ¾ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, sugar, salt, paprika, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef and onion, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add milk, broth, and elbow macaroni to the beef. Stir in the cornstarch and spice mixture. Bring to a boil.

4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer, covered, for 9-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir the mixture occasionally and, if needed, add more broth or water.

5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Serve hot.

Notes

– Substitute the onion with 1 teaspoon onion powder if desired.
– Depending on the brand of pasta and the size of the pan, you may need a little bit more or less liquid. Add extra broth or water as needed.
– You can use any kind of cheese, but make sure you use bold cheese for the needed flavor.
– Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheese.
– For a little extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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So there you have it – an easy homemade hamburger helper recipe that promises convenience, flavor, and satisfaction all in one quick and delightful package!
_{Sourced from: Spendwithpennies}