Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
501 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe begins by browning ground beef with chopped onions in a soup pot. Excess fat is removed before stirring in tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder to develop flavor. Adding beef broth and uncooked elbow macaroni creates a one-pot pasta dish where the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful liquid. The mixture simmers uncovered, stirred occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most broth is absorbed, about 13-15 minutes.
Freshly grated cheddar cheese stirred in off heat melts into the dish, creating a creamy and cheesy texture that binds the ingredients. Seasoning with salt and pepper adjusts the flavor as needed, and letting the dish rest briefly before serving enhances the sauce absorption. This meal combines protein, starch, and cheese in a single pan and can serve four to six people.
The recipe allows for adding extra liquid during cooking if the broth is absorbed too soon, preventing sticking or burning. This flexibility helps accommodate stove differences and desired consistency.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef extra lean
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the beef and onions to a soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef has browned (about 7-10 minutes), breaking the meat up with your spoon as you go along. If there's a lot of excess fat, spoon most of it out.
- Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- Add in the beef broth and increase the heat to high. Once it starts boiling, add in the macaroni.
- Reduce the heat so it's not furiously boiling (a rapid simmer is good). I ended up cooking mine over medium heat. Let it cook uncovered until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 13-15 minutes). I stir it every couple of minutes.
- While it's cooking, grate the cheese (this saves prep time at the start of the recipe).
- Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheese. Season with salt & pepper as needed. I let it sit for a couple minutes prior to serving (soaks up the sauce and flavors more), but you can serve it right away.
Notes
- Serves 4-6 depending on serving size.
- Add extra liquid in 1/2 cup increments if pasta risks sticking before fully cooked.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 501 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 501kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 130mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 1106mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 624mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 640IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 437mg | 44% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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