Description
This Best Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a delightful, cheesy one-pot meal perfect for a quick and comforting dinner. Ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a savory blend of spices come together in a creamy tomato-based sauce, making it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
Seasonings and Sauce
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni pasta (uncooked, 8 ounces by weight)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking while crumbling the beef until it’s fully browned. Drain excess grease as necessary to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste, sweet paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to coat the beef mixture evenly. Then pour in the beef broth and stir well to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a moderate simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 9-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom. The sauce will remain slightly brothy and saucy.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve the homemade hamburger helper hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier.
- Stirring frequently while simmering prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more chili powder for extra spice if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
