Homemade Hamburger Helper: Classic Family Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Whip up a comforting Homemade Hamburger Helper. This easy, one-pan classic family dinner brings nostalgic flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Comfort Core
05 -
2 cups dry elbow macaroni
06 -
3 cups beef broth
07 -
1/4 cup tomato paste
→ The Creamy Finish
08 -
1 cup whole milk
09 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Flavor Boosters
11 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 -
1 tsp salt, or to taste
13 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
14 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb 80/20 ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
02 -
Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
03 -
Pour in 3 cups beef broth and 1/4 cup tomato paste. Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, forming the flavorful base for your Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Classic Family Dinner.
04 -
Once boiling, add 2 cups dry elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure the macaroni is submerged. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup whole milk until fully incorporated. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This step creates the signature richness of your Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Classic Family Dinner.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Let the Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Classic Family Dinner rest for 2-3 minutes off the heat to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting family meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra veggie boost, add a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of macaroni cooking.
02 -
Store leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
03 -
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend can also create a delicious, creamy sauce. You can also use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
04 -
Serve this comforting dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Measuring cups
03 -
Measuring spoons
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 525 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
Protein: 30 g