Ready in 30 minutes and with just one pot, this easy and extra cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is sure to be a new family favorite! Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish combines tender pasta and savory ground beef in a rich, creamy tomato and cheese sauce. It’s comforting, satisfying, and simple enough for anyone to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this meal even on your busiest days.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious meal with family or friends.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness will please even the pickiest eaters at the table.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version; this recipe adapts to your dietary needs.
- Customizable Recipe: Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition without compromising taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large sauté pan with lid: This tool allows for even cooking and helps retain moisture while simmering the pasta.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pan, ensuring a smooth mix of flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 1 large yellow onion (diced)
– 1 garlic clove (minced)
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
– 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 8 oz small pasta shells (or small elbow pasta)
– ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked through, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onions to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic for the last 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Add the flour to the onion mixture. Stir continuously for about 1 minute before slowly adding in the beef broth. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring everything to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally; if noodles need more liquid, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth as needed.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately!
With these straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious Homemade Hamburger Helper ready in no time! Enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a casual family dinner or a hearty meal for friends, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your hamburger helper experience.
Add Fresh Greens
- Side Salad: A crisp side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings color and nutrients, complementing the creamy pasta.
Garnish with Toppings
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and an herbal note.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess that pairs well with the richness of the cheese sauce.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread to scoop up the cheesy goodness. Its buttery flavor enhances each bite.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up leftover sauce on your plate.
How to Perfect Homemade Hamburger Helper
To make your Homemade Hamburger Helper even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients like onions and garlic enhances flavor significantly compared to dried or canned options.
- Monitor Pasta Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks; overcooked pasta can become mushy. Check for doneness at 12 minutes.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your preference. Adding more Italian seasoning can enhance the overall flavor.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor variations.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Hamburger Helper
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Hamburger Helper can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that complements the rich flavors of hamburger helper.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that balances out the savory dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini offer robust flavors and a colorful presentation.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans bring a different texture and flavor profile that pairs well with ground beef dishes.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds brightness while keeping things simple and refreshing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Hamburger Helper can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will improve your results.
- Using too much liquid: Adding excess broth can make the dish soupy. Stick to the measurements in the recipe for the best texture.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it will become mushy. Monitor it closely during simmering and test for doneness.
- Not seasoning enough: Insufficient seasoning can lead to blandness. Taste as you go and adjust salt and spices to enhance flavor.
- Ignoring cheese quality: Low-quality cheese may not melt well. Use a good quality cheddar for a creamy and delicious sauce.
- Skipping the rest period: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps flavors meld together. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Hamburger Helper.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative. It reduces fat while still providing protein.
How do I make a vegetarian version of Homemade Hamburger Helper?
Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
What can I serve with Homemade Hamburger Helper?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to make Homemade Hamburger Helper spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix before simmering for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or using different types of cheese. Give this comforting dish a try, and enjoy its rich flavors as a family favorite!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Homemade Hamburger Helper, a quick and satisfying dish that brings the family together at the dinner table. This easy one-pot meal combines tender pasta with savory ground beef enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato and cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly customizable to suit your family’s preferences. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz small pasta shells
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Set aside, reserving some grease.
- Sauté diced onions in the same pan until soft; add minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in flour, then gradually add beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Mix in tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta. Cover and simmer until pasta is tender.
- Incorporate heavy cream and cheese until melted; return beef to the pan and heat through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
