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Homemade Hamburger Helper

A comforting, one-pan dish with creamy cheese, elbow macaroni, and savory ground beef, reminiscent of nostalgic meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 or 90/10 blend)
  • 2 cups (200g) Elbow Macaroni (Dry)
  • 2 cups (225g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Freshly grated)
  • 2 cups (480ml) Whole Milk
  • 1.5 cups (350ml) Beef Broth
  • 2 tbsp (15g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Parsley (Finely chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat it up over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Sauté until it’s browned, about 5–7 minutes, and drain any excess fat.
  2. Add Seasoning and Flour: Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and flour. Stir for about a minute.
  3. Pour in the Broth and Milk: Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Incorporate the Macaroni: Add the dry elbow macaroni and stir well to combine.
  5. Add Cheese: When the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened, remove it from heat and stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta or add veggies for a twist!

Nutrition

Keywords: hamburger helper, one-pan meal, comfort food