Homemade Hamburger Helper

User Reviews

5

10 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    789 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper features browned ground beef cooked with onions and spices, combined with uncooked macaroni and broth, then simmered until the pasta is tender. Finishing with melted cheddar cheese creates a creamy, comforting casserole reminiscent of the classic convenience meal, made from scratch with controlled ingredients and fresh flavors.

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.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 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
  • cup ketchup
  • 3 cups chicken broth or beef broth
  • 2 cups macaroni uncooked
  • 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a low boil.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
  8. 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 Details
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%)

Nutrition 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.

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10 reviews
Excellent

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