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–+ servings

Homemade Hamburger Helper

A comforting, budget-friendly dish that combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and creamy cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or shredded chicken.
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk Use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar works great; can experiment with different types.
Aromatic Ingredients
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in the paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure the meat is well-seasoned.
  4. Pour in elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

For a hearty meal, serve with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread pairs beautifully to soak up extra sauce. Add toppings like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.

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