Description
This homemade hamburger helper is a delicious, beefy, and cheesy one-pot meal that surpasses store-bought boxed mixes. Featuring fresh spices, tomato paste, and Cheddar cheese, it's a comforting and savory weeknight family favorite that's easy to prepare in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 6 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook Beef and Onion: Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is well crumbled, browned, and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain and discard excess fat.
- Add Spices and Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture is fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil over high heat. Stir in the elbow macaroni, then reduce heat to medium. Let it gently boil uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 13 to 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated, about 30 to 45 seconds. Let it stand for 2 minutes so the sauce can thicken before serving.
- Serve: Spoon the hot, cheesy hamburger helper into bowls and enjoy your comforting homemade meal.
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef for best flavor and texture; leaner beef will produce less fat to drain.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and chili powder, to suit your preference for spice and saltiness.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of milk or cream along with the cheese.
- If elbow macaroni is unavailable, small pasta shapes like shells or rotini can be substituted.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
