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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Delicious Homemade Hamburger Helper: Cheesy Comfort in 20 Min

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick, comforting one-pan meal made with cheesy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cooking Base
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20) can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 teaspoon Coarse Kosher Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper freshly cracked preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or 1 medium fresh onion, finely chopped
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 2 cups Dry Elbow Macaroni or small pasta shapes
  • 32 ounces Low Sodium Beef Broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Whole Milk or half-and-half
  • 3 cups Cheddar Cheese, grated can use a cheese blend
  • 16 ounces Petite Diced Tomatoes, well drained or use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Wait for 2 minutes until the oil shimmers.
  2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and cook for another minute.
  4. Drain any excess fat if necessary, ensuring the meat remains in the skillet.
  5. Stir in the elbow macaroni and beef broth. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered for 7-9 minutes until pasta is tender.
  7. Reduce heat to low and fold in milk and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely.
  8. Mix in the well-drained diced tomatoes and stir until warmed through.
  9. Serve hot, ideally in bowls for everyone to enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider adding colorful veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

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