Description
This homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining browned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it’s an easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights that delivers classic flavors without any preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Pasta & Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until thoroughly browned on all sides, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until they are tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well to combine. Then season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Add liquids and pasta, then simmer: Pour in the milk and beef broth (or water), then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve the hamburger helper hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Be sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less broth or cook uncovered for the last few minutes to reduce the liquid.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey instead of beef and use low-fat cheese and milk.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Using beef broth instead of water provides more flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
