Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Additional Time
5 mins
-
Total Time
35 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
568 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper
Description
This Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper combines ground beef browned with onions and seasoned with paprika, chili powder, mustard, and garlic powder. The flavorful meat mixture is simmered with Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, beef broth, and half and half to form a creamy, savory base. Elbow macaroni is cooked in this sauce, absorbing the rich flavors as it softens. Sharp cheddar cheese is stirred in toward the end, melting into a thick, cheesy coating that envelops the pasta and beef.
The resulting dish is warmed through and comforting, with the creamy sauce balancing tangy tomato and savory spices. The slight kick from chili powder and mustard adds dimension without overwhelming, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes. Fresh chopped parsley on top adds a mild herbal freshness and color contrast.
Serve this as a standalone meal or alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. It accommodates substitutions like using half and half or whole milk and allows reheating with added liquid to maintain creaminess. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil, unsalted
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- oz can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 cups half and half or whole milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese shredded, preferably from a block
- 2 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Tilt the skillet to the side and spoon out most of the rendered grease. Discard safely.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, mustard, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring often, for about 1 minute. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, beef broth, and half and half. Stir to combine. Bring to a slight simmer and stir in the pasta. Simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is just cooked, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and continue stirring until melted. Sprinkle the remaining half cup on the top, cover the skillet with the lid, and let rest for about 5 minutes. Serve at once, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to prevent thickening sauce excessively; add cream or broth to loosen if needed.
- Leftovers store covered in the fridge up to 7 days; reheat with splash of milk or broth.
- Refer to the video recipe for visual preparation guidance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 568 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 568kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 2g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 173mg | 58% |
| Sodium | 612mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 832mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1509IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 490mg | 49% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
