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Bowl of homemade hamburger helper featuring macaroni and ground beef in a cheesy sauce.
Paula

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is a weeknight pasta dish that features tender elbow macaroni in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce with perfectly browned ground beef, all cooked in one pan in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Portionen
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 501

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
  • cups Elbow macaroni dry, uncooked
  • 2 cups Beef broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup Whole milk or 2% milk
  • 1 can 8 oz Tomato sauce (plain, unseasoned)
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded from an 8 oz block
  • ½ cup Yellow onion finely diced
Seasonings & Pantry Staples
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika smoked or sweet
  • ½ tsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil or butter for cooking the beef
Optional Add-Ins
  • 2 oz Cream cheese for extra creaminess
  • 1 can 4 oz Diced green chilies (adds a gentle heat)
  • ½ cup Frozen corn or peas stir in during the last 2 minutes
  • 1 tsp Hot sauce to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef into small crumbles.
  2. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned, then drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp behind.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 30 seconds.
  4. Add beef broth, milk, and tomato sauce, and stir well. Pour in elbow macaroni and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid if needed.
  6. Once the pasta is tender, remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese in two batches until melted and creamy.
  7. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately.