Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups hot water)
(or beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups dry cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Directions
- 1
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, then add the ground beef and break it up, cooking and stirring until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any remaining fat in the pan.
- 2
Sprinkle the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and pepper over the browned meat and stir well to evenly distribute the spices. Add the hot water, milk, and pasta, then bring to a boil. Cover with a lid, reduce heat and simmer for 8-11 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- 3
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the cooked pasta and stir until melted into the sauce. Remove from the heat, and let stand for a few minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, then serve.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
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About this Recipe
When busy weeknights hit and dinner plans fly out the window, this Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is your culinary superhero. Skip the box and enjoy an easy, satisfying meal that brings comfort to the table and smiles to your family's faces, all from scratch.This recipe shines by delivering that beloved cheeseburger pasta flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients you control. The secret lies in building layers of savory depth: browning lean ground beef is just the start. Infusing the dish with a balanced blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates that authentic, craveable cheeseburger essence. Then, a quick-cooking, creamy sauce comes together right in the skillet, ensuring every piece of cavatappi or macaroni noodle is perfectly coated in cheesy, comforting goodness.You're in for a truly satisfying, hearty meal that's pure comfort food at its best. Imagine tender cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles swimming in a rich, savory sauce infused with classic cheeseburger seasonings. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef and gooey, melted shredded cheddar cheese, creating a creamy, incredibly satisfying texture. While it’s definitely not fancy, this dish promises a delightfully familiar and comforting experience that makes it a guaranteed family favorite, especially on those evenings when you need a dependable, delicious dinner that's always a hit.The versatility of this cheeseburger pasta skillet makes it a weeknight winner, allowing for simple swaps to suit your pantry. For the liquid base, you can easily use hot water, beef broth, or chicken broth to adjust the richness. If you don't have cavatappi, macaroni noodles are an excellent alternative, offering a similar comforting bite. The specified shredded cheddar cheese provides that classic flavor, but feel free to use your preferred sharpness.This Homemade Hamburger Helper is the quintessential go-to dinner, perfect for navigating busy school schedules and extracurricular activities. Serve it warm straight from the skillet for a fuss-free, delicious meal that promises to be a welcome sight at any family dinner.