Homemade Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Total Time
22 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
573 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Description
The "Homemade Hamburger Helper" recipe starts by browning ground beef and diced onion in a skillet, then draining excess fat. The meat is seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, salt, and black pepper to add smoky and pungent flavors. Adding water, milk, and dry macaroni noodles to the skillet creates a simmering environment where the pasta cooks until al dente, absorbing the savory broth flavors.
Once the pasta is tender, grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese are stirred in and melted into the mixture, producing a creamy, cheesy texture that binds the dish together. The skillet is left to stand briefly so the sauce thickens slightly, yielding a rich consistency with tender pasta and savory beef throughout.
This one-pan meal provides a filling and familiar comfort food experience, combining protein, starch, and cheese in a convenient dish. It can be served warm as a quick dinner suitable for casual dining.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 onion Diced
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 Cup milk
- 2 Cups macaroni noodles
- 2 Cups cheddar cheese grated
- 1 Cup mozzarella cheese grated (pepper jack is a good substitution if you like spicy!)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet (we used cast iron) over medium heat. Drain any remaining fat from the pan.
- Season the beef with the paprika, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Stir in the water, milk and pasta and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 9-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the cheeses over the cooked pasta and heat until the cheese is completely melted.
- Let stand for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 573 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 573kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Cholesterol | 114mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 823mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 447mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1177IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 461mg | 46% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.