How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper 

Hamburger Helper is one of those nostalgic, comforting dishes that brings back memories of busy weeknights, family dinners, and deliciously cheesy bites. Everyone knows that the store-bought version is convenient it is known to contain preservatives and additives. Did you know making your homemade hamburger helper allows you to have full control over the ingredients, and customize flavors? Your meal will be a fresher and healthier alternative. The goal of this article is to walk you through how to make a delicious homemade Hamburger Helper from scratch, with a list of ingredients and tips to enhance its flavor. 

Why Make Hamburger Helper at Home?

There’s something special about creating a classic meal from scratch with wholesome ingredients. There are several advantages to choosing to make homemade hamburger helper. The ingredients are healthier due to no artificial preservatives, or excessive sodium in your food. Then, it ensures there are no unnecessary additives. You can customize the seasonings, type of pasta, or protein to suit your preferences. 

You can enjoy fresh robust ingredients that always result in a more satisfying dish. Lastly, it is Budget-Friendly. Buying ingredients in large quantities can save money over time. 

Budget Friendly Ingredients

This recipe includes simple pantry staples that come together to form a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish. Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (ground turkey or chicken work as substitutes) 

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt 

½ teaspoon black pepper 

1 teaspoon paprika 

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little kick) 

Sauce & Liquids

2 cups beef broth (can substitute chicken or vegetable broth) 

1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess) 

1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness) 

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Pasta & Cheese

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or shell pasta

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds great flavor) 

½ cup parmesan cheese (optional, but enhances the cheesiness) 

Instructions: 

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If using lean beef, you might need a little oil to prevent sticking. Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon for extra flavor. 

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

To the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes or until fragrant and softened. This step enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dish. 

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, basil, and chili powder over the beef mixture. (Remember these seasonings are optional. Make this your own when you are in the kitchen). Stir well so the spices evenly coat the meat. The seasonings bring warmth and balance to the dish. 

Step 4: Pour in the Liquids

Add the beef broth, milk, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring that the tomato paste dissolves evenly into the mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes before moving to the next step. 

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked pasta and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture gets too thick, add a little more broth or milk. 

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and evenly distributed, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. 

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a minute to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. 

@callmecandace.tv

EASY Hamburger Helper Recipe * 1 pound extra lean ground beef * 1/2 medium onion, chopped * 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste * 1 tsp Creole seasoning * 1/2 teaspoon garlic and herb seasoning * 1/2 teaspoon chili powder * 1/2 tsp paprika * 3 cups beef broth * 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni * 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese * Salt & pepper to taste #fyp #cooking #hamburgerhelper #budgetmeal #onepotmeals #dinnerideas #easyrecipes

♬ Bossa Nova jazz that seems to fit in a cafe(1433079) – TAKANORI ONDA

Ideas to Customize Homemade Hamburger Helper

One of the biggest perks of homemade Hamburger Helper is how easy it is to customize. There are several ways you can customize this meal for you and your family. 

Make It Healthier:

Use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese for a lighter version. 

Use a different Cheese: 

You can use cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack to add extra spice. 

Vegetable Boost: 

Stir in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrients. 

Change the Protein:

Replace ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. 

Add Extra Spice:

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for some heat. 

Homemade Hamburger Helper is definitely a comfort food that can be both delicious and nourishing. By making it yourself, you’re able to have full control of the ingredients, create new flavor variations, and avoid unnecessary additives. It does not matter if you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving a hearty one-pan meal, this recipe is an easy, and budget-friendly way to make a timeless classic from scratch. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you need milk for hamburger helper?

Boxed hamburger Helper is often made with milk. Some people have used heavy cream instead of milk because it helps to boost the texture and flavor. You can use milk if you prefer, or substitute half the beef broth with milk.

Can I use sour cream instead of milk?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream for milk in recipes, especially when the recipe calls for less than a cup of milk. Most recipes are one-to-one substitutions (1 cup sour cream for 1 cup milk) that work well.

How to jazz up cheeseburger Hamburger Helper?

To make cheeseburger Hamburger Helper more appealing, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic, and incorporating fresh or frozen vegetables like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach. Spice things up with chili powder, paprika, or a dash of hot sauce.

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