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Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper: Creamy, Cheesy Delight in 30 Min

Enjoy this Homemade Hamburger Helper, a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, featuring creamy cheese and savory ground beef.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white onion works well.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste A similar amount of tomato sauce can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be a great substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Customize the spiciness to suit your taste.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Swap for vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative.
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Substitute with any favorite pasta shape.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Experiment with melting cheeses for different flavors.
  • to taste Salt Adjust according to your taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust according to your taste.
Optional Toppings
  • Lactose-free cheese or yogurt For a delicious dairy-free option.
  • Crunchy tortilla chips For added fun!

Equipment

  • large soup pot

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, cooking for about 7-10 minutes, until browned and soft.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder, letting them cook for 1-2 minutes and coating the meat evenly.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the elbow macaroni and reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 13-15 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted.
  5. Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes to let flavors meld and sauce thicken.
  6. Spoon the Hamburger Helper into bowls, add toppings if desired, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to maintain creaminess.

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