Homemade Hamburger Helper
Homemade Hamburger Helper is an easy, one-pot meal that brings a comforting blend of hearty ingredients together in a quick and satisfying dish.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a rich, cheesy meal everyone will appreciate.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp diced large yellow onion
- 3 tbsp minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz elbow pasta (half a box)
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (we like Adobo)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef
In a Dutch oven or medium-sized pot over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned. Once done, remove the beef and drain the grease while keeping about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. - Cook the Onion and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens. Then, mix in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute. - Create the Base
Stir in the flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking quickly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. - Combine Pasta and Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, seasonings, and elbow pasta to the pot. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 12–13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If the mixture appears dry or the pasta is not fully cooked, add an extra ¼–½ cup of broth. - Finish the Dish
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Stir in the browned ground beef, then mix in the half and half and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts completely. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth or milk to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ready in just 30 minutes, this Homemade Hamburger Helper is cheesy, hearty, and a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp all purpose seasoning we like Adobo
- 8 oz elbow pasta half a box
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Recipe Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or medium sized pot, brown the ground beef over medium high heat. Once cooked, remove from the pot and drain the grease, reserving a couple of tablespoons of fat.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic for the last minute.
- Add in the flour, mix and cook for 30 seconds. Then, slowly add in the beef broth, whisking quickly to incorporate. Bring to a gently boil.
- Add in the tomato sauce, seasonings, and elbow pasta stirring to combine. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 12 – 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. (If it looks dry or the pasta isn't done, add in ¼ – ½ cup more broth).
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add the ground beef back in, then add in the half and half and cheese, stirring to combine. Serve immediately.
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