Homemade Beef Hamburger Helper
This Homemade Beef Hamburger Helper is a comforting, quick, and wholesome dinner made from scratch. Featuring lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit your family’s tastes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free (with pasta substitution)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili flakes or crushed red pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add elbow macaroni and tomato paste, mixing well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the lid and sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese along with paprika and optional chili flakes. Stir until cheese fully melts, creating a creamy sauce.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the dish light.
- Do not overcook the pasta; check for al dente texture early.
- Grate fresh cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Simmer gently to let pasta absorb flavors without sticking.
- Let the dish rest uncovered for a few minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Beef Hamburger Helper, Homemade Hamburger Helper, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Cheesy Beef Pasta
Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/homemade-beef-hamburger-helper/