Homemade Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
4.4
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
1113 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Description
The Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe involves cooking elbow macaroni until just tender, then browning lean ground beef with minced garlic for added aroma. Salt and pepper enhance the meat’s flavor, while draining excess grease keeps the dish balanced. Adding milk and shredded cheddar cheese creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef evenly. Simmering allows the flavors to meld, and topping with additional cheese adds a melty layer on top.
The resulting dish offers a comforting mix of textures: tender pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese provide richness without heaviness. Fresh parsley adds a mild herbaceous note and a touch of color when served. It’s suitable as a stand-alone meal all year round.
Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container, making this recipe convenient for batch cooking or planned meals. Reheating gently helps maintain the sauce consistency and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds ground beef lean
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped (for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large stockpot and cook the elbow macaroni for about 7-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta as set it aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat while the pasta cooks.
- Add the garlic, salt, and pepper to the beef and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Drain any grease in the skillet. Then add the milk to the skillet. Bring this to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and add the cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheddar cheese a little bit at a time, stirring to combine until you have a cheesy sauce.
- Top the mixture with the remaining cheese and cover with a lid Allow the hamburger helper to simmer for another minute or two until the cheese on top has melted and begun to bubble.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 5-7 days.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and help the sauce bind better with the meat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1113 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1113kcal | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 89g | 30% |
| Protein | 87g | 174% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 236mg | 79% |
| Sodium | 1291mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 1216mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1034IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 730mg | 73% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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