Homemade Beef Hamburger Helper
This scratch made version of the classic childhood favorite is creamy, comforting, and so much better than the box.
recipesbynani.comIf you grew up eating hamburger helper, you know exactly why it is such a beloved comfort food. Bringing that flavor back to my own kitchen was a joy because it tastes just like the original but with fresh ingredients that make a huge difference in quality.
This meal is a life saver on busy weeknights because it uses simple pantry staples and comes together in just one pan. My family always asks for seconds, and I love that it is quick enough to pull off after a long day at work.
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink.
- 2
Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking for one minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the uncooked macaroni.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet with a lid.
- 6
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a nice sauce.
- 7
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and creamy.
- 8
Season with salt and pepper to your preference before serving warm.
💡 Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy consistency.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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