Make the Cheesy Pasta Dish of Your Cravings with This Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe!
Are you looking to whip up a comforting meal that hits the spot? This easy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is just what you need. Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty pasta, it’s a dish that promises to satisfy your cravings and bring a smile to your dinner table. In this blog post, we will guide you through crafting an irresistible meal that the whole family will adore.
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s a delightful one-pot meal that requires minimal cleanup.
- The combination of crispy beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta creates an incredibly satisfying dish.
This recipe is special because it takes a nostalgic favorite, turns it into a homemade masterpiece, and is simple enough for any home cook to master.
Simple Way to Prepare Homemade Hamburger Helper
Making this delightful dish from scratch is not only rewarding, but you also have the option to customize it to your liking. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delectable meal that brings warmth and comfort. Here’s how to make this comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to meld with the meat.
- Add the Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir in the elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s covered by the liquid.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and well incorporated.
- Serve: Enjoy hot; it’s best served right away.
Keeping Homemade Hamburger Helper Fresh
Storage Tips for Homemade Hamburger Helper
To ensure you enjoy your delicious creation for days to come, here are some storage guidelines:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days at 40°F or below.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of milk to regain creaminess.
Best Ways to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper
Serving this cheesy pasta dish can be fun and creative. Here are some ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh flavor burst.
- Pair with Salad: A simple side salad with vinaigrette can complement the richness of the dish.
- Crusty Bread on the Side: Serve alongside fresh garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate steamed broccoli or peas into your pasta for extra nutrition and color.
Tips to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- DIY Spice Mix: If you have taco seasoning on hand, it can be used instead of the listed spices for an exciting twist.
- Creamy Variation: For an ultra-rich experience, swap part of the milk with sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Cooked Chicken or Sausage: If you want to rapidly vary the protein, cooked chicken or sausage can be easily substituted for the ground beef.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re looking to change things up or cater to specific dietary preferences, consider these options:
- Veggie Alternative: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat for a vegetarian version. This will maintain the texture while providing a hearty meal.
- Gluten-free Option: Swap out traditional pasta for gluten-free pasta if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of stirring in the cheese. Store it in the fridge and cook the cheese in before serving.
Q: How can I spice it up?
A: Want to add a kick? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos when browning the meat.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for a gooey finish.
Additional Suggestions
Nutritional Info
While homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting option, here’s a rough breakdown per serving (based on typical ingredients):
- Calories: 500
- Proteins: 25g
- Fats: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
This comforting meal offers a balance of protein, fats, and carbs, making it the perfect dinner option.
What to Serve With
Alongside your Homemade Hamburger Helper, consider adding:
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers which can be roasted in the oven.
- Fruit salad: A light fruit salad can act as a refreshing counterpart to this rich meal.
- Sparkling water or lemonade: To wash it all down without being too heavy.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is not just a meal; it is a celebration of comfort food in all its cheesy, hearty glory. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re looking for something that fills you with warmth and nostalgia. With this recipe, you can create a delightful dinner that brings everyone to the table, making you the star of the home cook scene. Whip it up, serve it hot, and watch as your family devours every last bite. You won’t need to worry about leftovers because there won’t be any! Embrace the joy that comes with cooking, and relish in the tasty moments that follow. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Print
Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Regular
Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and milk, stir in elbow macaroni until covered by the liquid.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Serve hot, best enjoyed immediately.
Notes
Customize by adding veggies like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition. For a creamy option, substitute part of the milk with sour cream.