The BEST Homemade Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
4.2
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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
8
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Calories
460 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
The BEST Homemade Hamburger Helper
Description
The BEST Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe features ground beef sautéed with onions, then simmered in a broth mixture containing ketchup, tomato paste, and garlic powder, lending a mildly tangy and savory base. Rotini pasta cooks directly in the flavored liquid, absorbing the seasonings as it becomes tender. Separately, a cheese sauce is created by whisking shredded cheddar into a classic butter-flour roux with milk, producing a creamy, cheesy addition. Combining the cheese sauce with the beef and pasta mixture yields a rich and comforting casserole-like dish. Fresh parsley adds a touch of color and light herbaceousness when served.
The combination of tomato elements and cheddar cheese gives it a balanced tang and creaminess, while the rotini noodles offer a firm bite that holds the sauce well. This recipe suits those looking for a homemade take on a convenience classic, with control over ingredients and flavor intensity. It can be served hot as a standalone dish, ideal for weeknight meals.
The recipe includes freezing instructions, allowing leftovers to be stored for up to three months, which adds convenience for meal prep and future use.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef 85 percent lean
- ½ onion chopped, medium
- 2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 2 ½ cups rotini noodles dry
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, medium
- parsley for serving, fresh
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break into chunks with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and cook for another 5 minutes or until beef is cooked through and onion is softened.
- Add broth, water, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, and salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Add macaroni and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until macaroni is al dente and liquid has reduced.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in another pan over medium-high heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes or until flour is cooked through. Add milk and whisk until smooth. Cook until sauce begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cheese sauce to hamburger and noodle mixture and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- This dish can be frozen and stored for up to three months to extend its usability.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 460 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 460kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 684mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 505mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 665IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 265mg | 27% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
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