Homemade Hamburger Helper
A delicious and comforting dish featuring lean ground beef, aromatic spices, and creamy cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Juicy and tender, this will be the star of your dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced) Aromatic and slightly sweet, it adds depth to the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Rich and tangy, this enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds an inviting aroma and a subtle kick.
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder Brings a warm and slightly spicy note to your meal.
- 3 cups beef broth Provides a perfect base for the sauce.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked) These small pasta pieces will soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated) Melty, gooey, and rich, it lends the creamy texture we’re craving.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
Instructions
Cooking
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder, and mix well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir to ensure the pasta is submerged.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
- Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. Substitute elbow macaroni for whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Consider experimenting with different cheeses as well.