Homemade Hamburger Helper: Easy Recipe

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Craving a comforting and easy meal? Look no further than this homemade Hamburger Helper recipe! Skip the boxed stuff and create a delicious, family-friendly dinner from scratch in under 30 minutes. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a perfect weeknight solution. — Zara Larsson's Boyfriend: All You Need To Know!

Why Make Homemade Hamburger Helper?

While the boxed version is convenient, homemade Hamburger Helper offers several advantages: — Chandler Moore: The Voice Of Maverick City

  • Healthier: You control the ingredients, avoiding excess sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
  • Tastier: Fresh ingredients simply taste better, creating a richer and more satisfying flavor profile.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your liking.
  • Budget-Friendly: Often cheaper than buying the boxed mix, especially if you already have the basics on hand.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Here's what you'll need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce.
  4. Incorporate Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and milk. Add the chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Cook the Macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
  • Use Different Meat: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
  • Creamier Sauce: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for an extra creamy sauce.
  • Pasta Variety: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes like shells or rotini.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Helper is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. It's also great as a leftover lunch!

Call to Action

Ready to ditch the boxed stuff? Try this homemade Hamburger Helper recipe tonight and discover how easy and delicious it is to create a comforting meal from scratch. Don't forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below! — Patriots Vs Bills: Key Matchups & Predictions