Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty meal that combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a creamy sauce. While boxed dinners like Hamburger Helper offer convenience and nostalgic flavors, making your version at home can be just as simple and far more rewarding.

Our homemade Hamburger Helper not only skips the additives like high sodium and food dyes but also elevates the dish with real, wholesome ingredients, especially the cheese, making it a guilt-free pleasure that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Enjoy the familiar comfort of Hamburger Helper with the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your meal—no mysterious ingredients, just simple, tasty goodness. Ready to whip up this comforting meal, or is there any ingredient you’d like to swap out?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup dry macaroni noodles
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the dry macaroni noodles, hot water, milk, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
3. Cook the Mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet.
4. Add Cheese: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Let it Sit: Cover the skillet and let it sit for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Give it one final stir to mix everything thoroughly.
6. Serve: Serve your homemade Hamburger Helper hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs if desired. This dish is perfect with a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out a nutritious meal.