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Homemade Hamburger Helper with Cheddar Recipe

4.5 from 124 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a quick and comforting skillet meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines savory spices, beef broth, and sharp Cheddar cheese to create a flavorful dish that mimics the classic boxed version but with fresh ingredients and no preservatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquids and Pasta

  • 2 1/4 cups beef broth, divided
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Thickener and Cheese

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 6 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and onion: Heat a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Spoon off and discard any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  2. Add the seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. This step blooms the spices and tomato paste, enhancing the overall flavor.
  3. Add the liquids and cook the pasta: Pour in 2 cups of the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the milk and uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  4. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 3 minutes, which helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
  5. Add the cheese and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes to thicken further before serving. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, adding a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce while browning the beef.
  • Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking to the skillet.
  • If you prefer a creamier dish, substitute whole milk for 2% or add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
  • For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to maintain sauce consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Find it online: https://cookesrecipes.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-with-cheddar-recipe/