In the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s something profoundly comforting about sitting down to a meal that’s both hearty and familiar. Homemade Hamburger Helper brings back the nostalgic flavors of a classic dish but with a wholesome, homemade touch that elevates it from a simple weeknight dinner to a heartwarming meal.
This one-pan wonder combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a perfect dish to satisfy hunger and bring smiles around the dinner table.
A Nostalgic Twist on a Classic Favorite
Homemade Hamburger Helper not only fills the kitchen with its enticing aroma but also offers the satisfaction of creating a meal from scratch that everyone will enjoy. This version skips the boxed ingredients and focuses on fresh, flavorful components like real onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that enrich the dish without overwhelming it.
Each spoonful is a reminder of the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals, with the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s going into your food. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step ensures that your dish isn’t overly greasy and helps to keep the flavors clean and balanced.
- Add the beef broth, milk, uncooked elbow macaroni, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 12-15 minutes. During this time, the pasta will cook and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- After the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve the Homemade Hamburger Helper hot, right out of the skillet. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with additional shredded cheese or some chopped fresh parsley.
