Looking for a delicious and easy meal to whip up in no time? Look no further than Homemade Hamburger Helper! This dish is the perfect comfort food that is sure to please the whole family. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ground beef, onions, and creamy sauce creates a savory and satisfying meal.
- Quick prep time: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe can be on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for a hassle-free meal option.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Provides the protein base for the dish.
- Yellow onion and garlic: Add depth and flavor to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Beef or chicken broth: Adds richness and depth to the dish.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the sauce a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder: Seasonings that add a flavorful kick to the dish.
- Small pasta shells or elbow pasta: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and comforting element.
- Heavy cream or half and half: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce, providing richness and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Add in the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour in the broth and tomato sauce, stirring well.
- Add in the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Allow the mixture to simmer.
- Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente.
- Pour in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Feel free to add in additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Homemade Hamburger Helper pairs well with a crisp green salad and a side of garlic bread. For drinks, try a glass of red wine or a cold beer to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape in this recipe.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish up until the point of adding the pasta, then refrigerate and finish cooking when ready to eat.
- Can I freeze this dish? While it can be frozen, the pasta may become slightly mushy upon reheating.
Conclusion:
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a classic dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, it’s a go-to meal for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for more!
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Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal with this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe. Creamy pasta with seasoned ground beef, onions, and a blend of spices, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add Flavors: Stir in flour, then add broth, tomato sauce, and all seasonings. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream and cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg