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Homemade Hamburger Helper served in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.
Paula

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

This homemade hamburger helper recipe is creamy, cheesy, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes from one single skillet.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Lean ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 Small yellow onion diced
  • 3 Garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 cups Beef broth
  • 1 cup Whole milk
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can, undrained
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Seasonings & Pantry Staples
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh parsley or chives chopped
  • Hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Extra shredded cheese

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and diced onion, breaking apart the meat, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
  2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and all seasonings, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 tbsp of tomato paste and 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to caramelize.
  4. Pour in 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 can undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni.
  5. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, simmer for 12 to 15 minutes stirring every 4 to 5 minutes until pasta is tender.
  6. Remove from heat, add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve immediately.