Homemade Hamburger Helper
This classic American comfort food is a hearty, one-pan meal consisting of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
Ground Beef: 1 lb (500g), preferably lean.
Pasta: 2 cups of elbow macaroni or “bow-tie” pasta (as shown in the image).
Aromatics: 1 small onion (finely diced) and 2 cloves of garlic (minced).
Liquids: 2 cups beef broth (or water) and 1 cup whole milk.
Cheese: 1.5 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Seasonings: 1 tsp each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Thickener: 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour (optional, for a thicker sauce).
Preparation Steps:
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and milk. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the liquid.
Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a thick sauce.
The Cheesy Finish: Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Serving Suggestion:
As seen in the photo, this dish is traditionally served with a side of white bread or buttered toast to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
