Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ lb93% lean ground beef
- ½ tspkosher salt
- ½ conion
chopped
- 4 clovesgarlic
chopped
- ¼ tsppaprika
- ¼ ctomato sauce
or tomato passata or puree
- 2 tspworcestershire sauce
- 2 cchicken broth
- ¾ c2% milk
or dairy-free milk for df
- 8 ozdry pasta
such as cavatappi, rotini or elbows or small shells or gluten-free pasta if needed
- 1 cpart-skim sharp cheddar cheese
or dairy-free cheese for df
Directions
- 1
Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef and 1/2 teaspoon salt and paprika. Cook, breaking the meat up into small pieces until browned, 5-6 minutes. Add onion, garlic and cook until aromatic; 2 to 3 minutes.
- 2
Add tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce; reduce until almost dry and caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes.
- 3
Add chicken broth and pasta and bring to a boil, lower heat to medium-low and cover. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway until the pasta is almost tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- 4
Uncover, add the milk, and cook, covered stirring periodically medium-low until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.
- 5
Remove from heat, uncover and stir in cheddar cheese.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
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About this Recipe
Tired of boxed meals but craving that nostalgic comfort? This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe brings back all the creamy, cheesy goodness you remember, made from scratch in just one skillet with real ingredients you can feel good about feeding your family for dinner.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and wholesome foundation. We combine lean ground beef with a rich tomato-based sauce, tender pasta, and real sharp cheddar cheese, all cooked together in a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It's a comforting classic, elevated to a high protein dinner with real ingredients for a healthy macaroni and cheese experience.
Get ready for a deeply savory, satisfying meal where 93% lean ground beef mingles with a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of macaroni. Each forkful delivers a hearty blend of savory beef, tangy tomato from the tomato sauce, and sharp cheddar, making it a truly comforting and protein-rich dinner. With 453 calories per serving, it’s a filling and flavorful option perfect for busy weeknights and kid friendly dinners.
Customization & Variations
This versatile one-skillet recipe is easy to adapt to your family's preferences or dietary needs!
- For a dairy-free version, simply swap the 2% milk for dairy-free milk and use dairy-free cheddar cheese.
- Need it gluten-free? Opt for your favorite gluten-free dry pasta.
- Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes like cavatappi, rotini, or small shells in place of elbows.
This hearty, high-protein dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight family meal and is sure to become a kid-friendly favorite. Serve it warm straight from the skillet for a fuss-free and comforting experience.