Delicious Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Family Favorite (Print version)
A creamy one-pot homemade hamburger helper with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and real cheddar cheese, ready in about 30 minutes.
# Ingredients:
Beef and sauce base
01 -
1 lb (450 g) 85% lean ground beef
02 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
03 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and cheese
09 -
3 1/2 cups (830 ml) beef broth
10 -
8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
11 -
6 oz (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 -
Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute so the paste caramelizes slightly and the spices open up.
03 -
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 9 to 11 minutes.
04 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar until fully melted and the sauce is creamy, 30 to 60 seconds. Let stand 2 minutes to thicken before serving.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served right after the cheese melts, while the sauce is still silky.
02 -
Leftovers thicken as the pasta absorbs sauce; loosen with broth when reheating.