Hamburger Helper is definitely nothing new! But this homemade version is sooo much better than its boxed counterpart. It is so full of flavor and the ingredients are all fresh. It is made in one pot. And it will feed 8 people for around $15! It can easily be modified with different flavors of cheese to suit your tastes and any short form of pasta will work. This is one of my favorite go-to meals when I don’t want to spend a lot of time on dinner! And we end up with enough leftovers for a day or two of work lunches!
Check out these other great one-pot meals while you are here!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese, Frito Pie,, Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice , The Best One-Pot Chili Mac,
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs of ground beef
- 1 diced onion
- 3-4 minced garlic cloves
- Seasonings – Onion and Garlic Powder, Black Pepper and Salt
- 6 cups Beef Broth
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni or any short pasta type that you like
- 1 cup Milk
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 8 oz Pepper Jack Cheese
Can This Be Made Ahead and Frozen?
Yes! This freezes very well. Make as directed. Allow it to cool, then place in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Leftovers will last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. You may need to add some more milk when reheating.
How to Make it:
Start by browning your ground beef with the onion and garlic. Once the meat is cooked, drain it. This is not a necessary step, just a personal preference!
Then you will add in your seasonings, the broth and the macaroni. After giving it a good mix, let it come to a gentle boil. Put the lid on, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked.
Most of the liquid will be absorbed, but there should still be a little bit left once it is finished. This is good! Now you will add in the milk and the cheeses and stir until all of the cheese is melted!
And at this point, you will want to add salt and pepper to taste.
And that is literally all there is to it!
Since this meal reminds me so much of my childhood, a slice of buttered white bread is a required accompaniment! I also served it with a side of green beans to get some veggies in there!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 Yellow Onion, Diced
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 6 Cups Beef Broth
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni, or any other short type of pasta you like
- 1 Cup Milk
- 8 oz Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 8 oz Grated Pepper Jack Cheese
- 1 tbs each Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Black Pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown ground beef with the onion and garlic over medium heat. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain the grease if desired.
- Season with above mentioned spices, aside from the salt.
- Mix in the beef broth and macaroni. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Put the lid on, reduce to a simmer and cover, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
- Once it is cooked, stir in the milk and cheeses and stir until the cheese is completely melted.
- Salt to taste.
