Craving a comforting meal that doesn’t require much effort? Enter the homemade hamburger helper! This beloved dish combines savory ground beef with tender pasta and creamy sauce, making it a hearty one-pan wonder perfect for any night of the week. With fresh ingredients and a touch of love, this homemade version outshines the boxed variety and lets you know exactly what’s going into your meal.
Ingredients
Before diving in, gather these simple ingredients for a hassle-free preparation:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipments
To prepare this homemade hamburger helper, you’ll need the following equipments:
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
How to Make Deliciously Simple Homemade Hamburger Helper – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Stir occasionally, breaking up any large chunks with a wooden spoon. Once the beef is uniformly browned, drain any excess fat, leaving just enough for cooking. This step forms the flavorful base of your dish, as the beef adds a rich, savory note that melds beautifully with the spices to come.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the uncooked macaroni, milk, and beef broth into the skillet with the beef. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be well combined, without any lumps. This step ensures the pasta will be perfectly tender, soaking up the flavors of the rich beefy broth as it cooks.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This simmering not only cooks the pasta but also thickens the sauce, resulting in a creamy texture that’s utterly indulgent.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the macaroni is cooked to your desired tenderness, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish. The cheese adds an element of comfort and richness, making each bite perfectly gooey and satisfying.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately. This final touch brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise, giving it a fresh note that complements the richness.
How to Serve Deliciously Simple Homemade Hamburger Helper
This homemade hamburger helper is a meal on its own, but you can elevate it by adding a simple side salad or some crusty bread. The dish is ideally served hot, directly from the skillet to the plate, ensuring each serving remains cheesy and scrumptious.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Here are some tips to ensure your homemade hamburger helper is a hit:
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
- Add vegetables such as peas or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- If you like a bit of kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese types to find your preferred flavor profile.
Packed Protein Power: Protein Boosted Homemade Hamburger Helper
For those looking to increase their protein intake, this version of homemade hamburger helper is just what you need. By incorporating lean ground turkey or chicken and adding chickpeas or black beans, you turn this already delicious meal into a powerhouse of protein. With more protein, you stay fuller longer, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts and busy professionals alike.
The cheese and pasta will balance the texture, ensuring that even though you’re boosting the nutrients, the dish remains luxuriously creamy and satisfying. Enjoy the comfort while nourishing your body!
Low Carbohydrate Delight: Low Carb Homemade Hamburger Helper
If you’re watching your carb intake but still crave a comforting meal, try our low-carb rendition of homemade hamburger helper. Swap the traditional macaroni for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. These alternatives absorb the flavor beautifully and keep the dish fresh and light.
The rich, meaty sauce remains, ensuring you don’t miss out on the full-bodied taste you love. It’s a mindful yet indulgent swap that delights your taste buds while maintaining a lighter caloric load.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade hamburger helper can be refrigerated safely for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and warm gently over low heat. Avoid microwaving, as it may unevenly heat the pasta and cheese.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a spicy version with Pepper Jack.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour alternative for a coeliac-friendly version.
- Can I freeze homemade hamburger helper?
- While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with added milk.
- What can I use instead of beef?
- Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives that will still bring rich flavor to the dish.
Final Thoughts on Your New Favorite Comfort Dish
This homemade hamburger helper is a blank canvas for your creativity. Customize it to your family’s preferences and dietary needs without sacrificing taste or comfort. Don’t forget to share your version of this classic with friends and family, and add your own flair to make it truly yours. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—don’t hesitate to share your experiences and any tweaks!
Deliciously Simple Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- uncooked elbow macaroni
- milk
- beef broth
- all-purpose flour
- cheddar cheese
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt and pepper
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
Steps
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Stir occasionally, breaking up any large chunks.
- Add uncooked macaroni, milk, and beef broth. Stir in flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Increase the heat to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10–15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.