Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and ready in just 35 minutes. It features ground beef, onions, and macaroni in a creamy tomato sauce, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (3 ounces)
- 4 cups beef broth, plus extra water if needed
- 8 ounces dried elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
- 1/3 cup milk (or any dairy liquid)
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in garlic, oregano, paprika, and tomato paste. Sauté for a few minutes to develop the flavors.
- Deglaze and Add Liquids: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the remaining broth and macaroni noodles.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through. Stir often to prevent sticking. Add extra water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in milk and cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes:
- Brown Beef and Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in garlic, oregano, paprika, and tomato paste. Sauté for a few minutes to develop the flavors.
- Deglaze and Add Liquids: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the remaining broth and macaroni noodles.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through. Stir often to prevent sticking. Add extra water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in milk and cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Use your preferred pasta shape, but adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Consistency: Add more broth or water if the mixture becomes too thick while simmering.
- Sauce: The sauce will thicken as the noodles absorb liquid.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
