Hamburger Helper Recipe

Hamburger Helper recipe is a quick and comforting meal that has been a favorite in many households for decades. It’s an easy, one-pot dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy sauce for a filling and tasty dinner. While store-bought boxed versions of Hamburger Helper are common, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier version of this classic dish. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something the whole family will enjoy, this homemade Hamburger Helper is the perfect go-to recipe.

A Brief History of Hamburger Helper:

Hamburger Helper first hit grocery store shelves in the early 1970s, introduced by General Mills as a convenient way to stretch ground beef during a time of rising food costs. It quickly became popular due to its affordability and ease of preparation. Over the years, the brand expanded into various flavors and styles, but the basic premise of combining ground meat with pasta and sauce remains a beloved comfort food staple. Today, many people opt for homemade versions to enjoy the nostalgic flavors with a fresher, healthier twist.

Hamburger Helper Recipe

Pinklady

Hamburger Helper first hit grocery store shelves in the early 1970s, introduced by General Mills as a convenient way to stretch ground beef during a time of rising food costs. It quickly became popular due to its affordability and ease of preparation.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Servings 4

Equipment

• Large skillet or deep saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for shredding cheese)

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 ½ cups milk (or heavy cream for a creamier sauce)
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil for cooking (optional)

See also  Lamb Chop Recipe

Instructions

 

• Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

  In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat (if desired). Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
• This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
• Add Onion and Garlic

  Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent.
• Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste

  Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the tomato paste to blend with the beef mixture and release its flavors.
• Add Broth and Pasta

  Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
• Simmer and Cook the Pasta

  Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Add Cheese

  Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning

  Taste the Hamburger Helper and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Serve

  Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken up. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Hamburger Helper!

Video

Keyword Hamburger Helper Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Cheeseburger Casserole: Similar flavors but baked in the oven with a crispy, cheesy top.
– Beef Stroganoff: A creamy, comforting dish made with beef, mushrooms, and a sour cream-based sauce.
– One-Pot Beef and Macaroni: Another easy, beefy pasta dish cooked in a single pot for a no-fuss meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hamburger Helper Recipe:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will lighten up the dish while still maintaining a similar flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety and make sure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

3. What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

You can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor.

4. Can I freeze Hamburger Helper?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can use plant-based ground beef substitutes or skip the meat entirely and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

6. How can I make the sauce creamier?

For a richer sauce, replace the milk with heavy cream or stir in some cream cheese toward the end of cooking.

7. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! You can add peas, carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition. Add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

8. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells.

9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, to create a dairy-free version of this dish.

10. How can I make this spicier?

If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the beef.

Conclusion:

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a simple yet delicious meal that brings back nostalgic flavors while allowing you to avoid preservatives and control the quality of ingredients. In just 30 minutes, you can have a warm, hearty meal on the table, perfect for busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never want to go back to the boxed version again!

YouTube Video Credits:
Casual Cooking