Homemade Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
789 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Description
The recipe starts by browning ground beef and draining excess fat. Onion, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, parsley, and ketchup are added to build flavor depth and mild spice. Chicken or beef broth is poured in along with uncooked macaroni, which cooks covered on low heat until tender, absorbing the seasoned broth.
Once the pasta is cooked, sharp cheddar cheese is stirred in, melting into a creamy sauce that coats the beef and noodles. The dish offers a warm, hearty texture and a blend of savory and slightly tangy flavors from the spices and ketchup.
This homemade version lets cooks make a filling, cheesy one-pot meal that can feed a family, avoiding processed ingredients. Stirring during cooking prevents sticking, and serving immediately preserves the desirable creamy texture. The recipe estimates six servings, providing a practical option for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium white onion diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 cups macaroni uncooked
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it's no longer pink and nicely browned, breaking it up into small chunks as you go. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain off the excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced onion, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, dried parsley and ketchup. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes so the onion starts to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a low boil.
- Stir in the uncooked macaroni. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let it simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook until the macaroni is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- When the macaroni is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet or Dutch oven from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted.
- Dish out the homemade hamburger helper while it's still hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for a touch of color.
- Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze any leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Calories are approximate based on six servings; ingredient brands can vary nutritional content.
- For accurate nutrition information, consider using a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
- This recipe is not intended as dietary advice; consult a nutritionist for detailed guidance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 789 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 789kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 50g | 100% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 148mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 1382mg | 58% |
| Potassium | 706mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 895IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 547mg | 55% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.