Homemade Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
3.8
-
Prep Time
2 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
22 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
447 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Description
This recipe starts by browning lean ground beef and then adding tomato paste, dry macaroni, hot water, milk, and a mixture of spices including paprika, onion and garlic powders, mustard powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper. The combined ingredients simmer covered until the pasta is cooked through, absorbing the savory and mildly spiced broth.
Once cooked, shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in and allowed to melt, creating a creamy texture that coats the pasta and beef evenly. The dish is garnished with minced parsley to add a fresh note and a touch of color.
The inclusion of sugar balances flavors without making the dish sweet, mimicking the familiar boxed product’s profile. This homemade version offers control over ingredients and freshness and can be made with ground turkey or chicken as alternatives to beef.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3/4 cup macaroni dry
- 1 cup water hot
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley for garnish, minced
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a 12 inch skillet over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain grease.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients to the skillet with the beef, except for the cheese. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 12 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the cheddar cheese, and cover for 2 minutes.
- Stir well, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- The sugar helps balance flavors and mimic the taste of boxed Hamburger Helper, but it can be omitted if desired.
- This recipe works well using ground turkey or chicken as substitutes for beef.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 447 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 447kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 113mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 926mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 748mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1120IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 379mg | 38% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.8
You'll Also Love
