Homemade Hamburger Helper

There are a few dinners that come in a box that maybe haven’t quite achieved ‘guilty pleasure’ status, but we still know could be better for us. Case in point: Hamburger Helper. It’s comforting, it’s quick, and it just tastes so darn good. There’s something about that tender pasta with the savory beef but mostly, it’s all about that irresistible sauce. Still, there are things to be considered… like sodium levels and food dyes and ingredients that you can’t quite pronounce. But don’t worry, we’ve got a way you can have your Hamburger Helper and eat it too.

Make your own! (It’s just as easy as the box, we promise.)

For Homemade Hamburger Helper, the process is the same as the box. You brown the ground beef, then add the noodles, the liquid, and the seasoning, and let it all simmer together for just a few minutes until the noodles are tender. The main difference is that you’re effectively creating your own ‘sauce packet,’ which means you know exactly what’s going into your dinner. We’ve found the perfect combination to be a balance of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt and pepper. It tastes just like the real thing.

The other difference is that when you make it yourself, you get to include real cheese instead of creaminess in the form of a powder. That means our version is a little cheesier than the original, but hey, we aren’t complaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s a comforting classic that you can make healthier by using fresh ingredients. It’s quick, easy, and brings back the nostalgia of a favorite childhood meal with a delicious twist.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain the grease.
2. Add all of the remaining ingredients to the skillet, except for the cheese, and stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Let cook for 12 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, stir in the cheese and cover. Let sit for 2 minutes and then stir to combine.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• For richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
• Don’t skip the simmering step; it allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Try adding some sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 450, Protein: 30g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 20g, Fiber: 2g, Sodium: 600mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you like, such as rotini or shells.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute the macaroni noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making this Homemade Hamburger Helper as much as we do! It’s a simple, satisfying meal that you can feel good about serving to your family. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out by sharing your experiences in the comments below!