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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper
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Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick, comforting, and flavorful one-pan meal made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, this cheesy and saucy dish features ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy tomato-infused sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family dinners. Customizable, cost-effective, and free from preservatives, it delivers ultimate comfort food with wholesome pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 pound ground beef

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk

Dairy

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Condiments and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base.
  3. Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cooking the tomato paste for a minute or two helps intensify its flavor and caramelize it slightly.
  4. Pour in beef broth and pasta: Pour beef broth directly into the skillet, then add the elbow macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Finish with milk and cheese: Lower the heat and stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese to ensure better meltiness and creaminess in the sauce.
  • Simmer gently to avoid overcooking the pasta and making it mushy.
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or water after browning the beef to lift flavorful browned bits.
  • Season gradually with salt and spices to prevent over-seasoning the dish.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and develop better texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Homemade Hamburger Helper, ground beef pasta, quick weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy family meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/homemade-hamburger-helper/