Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick, comforting one-pot meal combining browned ground beef, flavorful spices, tender elbow macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make alternative to the boxed version, perfect for a family dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onions: Add the lean ground beef and chopped onions to a soup pot and cook over medium-high heat for about 7-10 minutes. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. If excess fat accumulates, spoon most of it out for a leaner dish.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder until well combined with the meat mixture.
- Add beef broth and bring to boil: Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to high. Once the broth starts boiling, add in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Simmer the pasta: Reduce heat to a medium level for a rapid simmer. Cook uncovered for 13-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Grate the cheese: While the pasta cooks, grate 2 cups of cheddar cheese to prepare for mixing.
- Finish the dish: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Adjust chili powder amount for preferred spice level.
- Stirring occasionally prevents macaroni from sticking to the pot.
- Letting the dish rest after cooking enhances flavor absorption.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cheese.
