Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

from thecozycook.com
30 min

This Homemade Hamburger Helper has a classic combination of beef and macaroni in a cheeseburger sauce with simple seasonings.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • Salt/Pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup half and half ((half milk/half light cream))
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ beef bouillon cube (see notes)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • ½ lb. macaroni (equal to 2 cups)
  • ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley
  • 1/8 teaspoon Smoked paprika

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the beef broth, chicken broth, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. (This is the “Sauce mixture”.) Set it aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.

  2. 2

    Season the ground beef lightly with salt and pepper. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Cook and crumble until brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain grease and set the ground beef aside.

  3. 3

    Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat and add the flour. Stir to combine, and cook for 2 minutes, or until it begins to turn toasty brown.

  4. 4

    Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook until just al dente, set a timer to avoid overcooking. Drain once cooked.

  5. 5

    Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheese, stirring continuously until combined. Add the ground beef back and stir to combine.