Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
648 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Hamburger Helper
Description
Hamburger Helper begins by browning ground beef and onions, adding garlic near the end for aroma. The meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste to build a rich flavor base. Broth, water, and elbow macaroni are added and simmered until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the flavorful liquid.
After cooking, shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in and allowed to melt, forming a creamy, cheesy coating on the pasta and beef mixture. The finished dish balances savory beef flavors with the tang of tomato paste and the creaminess of melted cheese.
Variations include using mushrooms or vegetables for a meatless version, swapping ground beef with other meats, or adding extra seasonings and fresh herbs. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for convenience.
This dish serves as a filling main course with familiar ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 c. onion yellow, diced
- 1 Tbsp garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 c. beef broth low sodium
- 1 c. water
- 1 c. cheddar cheese shredded
- 16 oz elbow macaroni dry
Instructions
- In a large skillet or dutch oven brown ground beef and onions over medium high heat. During the last minute of cooking add garlic. Drain off grease.
- Reduce heat to low and add in salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Stir until combined.
- Add in broth, water and elbow macaroni. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer 12-15 minutes or until macaroni is cooked through.
- Remove pan from heat and stir in cheddar cheese. Cover and let melt.
Notes
- To make it without meat, cook onions until soft, optionally adding mushrooms for texture; then proceed with the recipe.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2–3 days and reheat easily in the microwave.
- Freezing cooked portions extends storage to 2–3 months; thaw before reheating.
- Add canned diced tomatoes with broth and pasta for extra flavor.
- Chopped bell peppers or jalapeños can be cooked with onions for added flavor and heat.
- Ground beef can be replaced by ground turkey, pork, or chicken.
- Seasonings can be varied with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley and cilantro added at the end.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 648 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 648kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 847mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 845mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 476IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 323mg | 32% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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