Homemade Hamburger Helper

Introduction

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a simple and delicious dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. This comforting meal combines ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheese sauce in one pot. With a few ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can treat your family to a hearty meal that everyone will love!

Why Make This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to make Homemade Hamburger Helper. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. Second, it’s budget-friendly. You can use common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Finally, it’s customizable! You can easily add in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Most importantly, it’s incredibly satisfying and fills you up!

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

Making Homemade Hamburger Helper is straightforward. Just follow the simple directions below, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., farfalle)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

Directions:

In a large skillet that has a lid, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned. Once done, remove the beef from the pan, but make sure to save 2 tablespoons of the grease.
Next, add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
Stir in the flour, cooking for about 1 minute to help it combine.
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring often until it starts to boil.
Add the tomato sauce, herbs, and spices, then toss in the pasta.
Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes until the pasta is nice and tender. Don’t forget to add more beef broth if the mixture looks too thick.
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and the cheeses until everything is melted and mixed well. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and allow it to heat for another 2 minutes. Enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper

Serve your Homemade Hamburger Helper warm right from the skillet. You can top it with extra cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Homemade Hamburger Helper

If you have leftovers, let the Hamburger Helper cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or heat it up on the stove with a splash of beef broth to keep it creamy.

Tips to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

For extra flavor, try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
You can add in vegetables like spinach or peas for more nutrition.
If you like it spicy, consider adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños!

Variation

If you want to go meatless, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or ground turkey. This dish works well with any pasta you have on hand, so feel free to experiment!