Homemade Hamburger Helper
A comforting and customizable one-pan meal that evokes nostalgia, featuring ground beef, macaroni, and creamy cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Base flavor, protein
- 2 cups Beef broth Depth and moisture
- 1 cup Milk Creaminess
- 1 tsp Garlic powder Aromatic flavor
- 1 tsp Onion powder Depth of flavor
- 1 tsp Paprika Warmth and color
- 1 tsp Salt Enhances flavor
- 1/2 tsp Pepper Balances taste
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni Starch for substance
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese Rich, melty topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and prepare your workspace.
- In a large skillet, utilize medium heat to brown the ground beef until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring them into the beef until well combined.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring spices are well-distributed. Stir continuously and bring to a simmer.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet, stirring it into the simmering mixture.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.
Notes
Customize the recipe using different meats like turkey or chicken, mix in veggies for added nutrition, or experiment with cheeses. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.