Homemade Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
532 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Description
Ground beef is browned and drained, then simmered with beef or chicken broth, milk, tomato sauce, onion powder, chili powder, and salt to build a flavorful sauce. Medium-sized pasta like shells or large elbows is added and cooked covered, stirring occasionally, until tender and absorbed all the liquid.
The mixture is left to rest uncovered to thicken slightly before stirring in shredded cheddar cheese, which melts into the hot pasta and beef, creating a creamy texture. Additional seasonings like paprika can enhance flavor, and more broth or cooking time may be needed depending on pasta type.
This comforting skillet dish is convenient for weeknight dinners and allows easy adjustments of seasoning and toppings. Stirring during cooking prevents sticking, and removing from heat before adding cheese keeps the cheese from overcooking.
The sauce thickens as it rests, providing a richer consistency. Adding cheese at the end enhances creaminess without overcooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20, lean
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces pasta such as shells or large elbows, medium size
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet, cook the ground beef over medium high heat until no pink remains while breaking up with a spoon. Drain any fat.
- Add 1 ¾ cups beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, onion powder, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cover. Reduce the heat to medium low and let simmer covered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Uncover and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes or until the pasta is tender, adding more liquid as needed.
- Remove from the heat and rest uncovered for 5 minutes. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- Additional spices such as paprika can be added to adjust flavor.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Cooking time and broth amount may vary based on pasta shape and size.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to ensure smooth melting.
- The sauce thickens as the dish rests off the heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 532 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 532 | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 102mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 1096mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 1071mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 812IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 309mg | 31% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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