EASY HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER

Imagine that satisfying aroma of cheesy, beefy pasta filling your kitchen, a comforting scent that promises a warm and delicious meal in minutes. Forget the boxed stuff – we’re diving headfirst into a world of flavor with this easy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe, where every ingredient is fresh and tailored to your taste! Get ready to ditch the processed ingredients and embrace a quick, customizable, and absolutely scrumptious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds, I promise!

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite small pasta shape)
• 4 cups water or beef broth

From Boxed to Brilliant: Why Homemade Hamburger Helper?

Okay, let’s be honest, that little blue box has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights. But sometimes, you just crave something…more. That’s where this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe comes in. It’s faster than you think and allows you to control every ingredient, ditching the preservatives and artificial flavors for fresh, wholesome goodness. Plus, you can customize it to your family’s preferences! This version gives you all the comforting flavors you remember, but with a homemade touch that makes it even better. Think of it as the grown-up, gourmet version of a childhood classic. These Beef Pasta Recipes are also perfect for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Cook the Pasta

1. Add the elbow macaroni (or your chosen pasta) and water or beef broth to the skillet.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine and Serve

1. Pour the cheese sauce over the beef and pasta mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine.
2. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Turbocharge Your Hamburger Helper: Flavor Variations

One of the best things about this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little heat.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions and garlic for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Creamy Dreamy: Substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk in the cheese sauce for an extra-rich and decadent dish.
• Cheesy Overload: Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little Gruyere would be delicious.
• Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add a can of cannellini beans for a heartier meal.

These Hamburger Helper Recipes are amazing and you can easily find one for your specific taste.

Troubleshooting Tips for Hamburger Helper Perfection

Even the simplest recipes can sometimes present a challenge. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Sauce Too Thick: If your cheese sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Sauce Too Thin: If your cheese sauce is too thin, you can either simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to thicken, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and simmer until thickened.
• Pasta Sticking: To prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet, stir it frequently while it’s cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the water or broth.
• Bland Flavor: Don’t be afraid to season aggressively! Taste the beef mixture and cheese sauce as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy and colorful touch to the meal.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is another classic side dish that complements the flavors of Hamburger Helper.

For a hearty variation, consider making Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole or Hamburger Rice Casserole. If you are in a burger mood, try Crack Burgers Recipe. Alternatively, for a cheesier bite, you might also want to try Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Finally, for soup lovers, consider making Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup or Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.

Perfect for Fast Dinner Recipes

This recipe is great for Fast Dinner Recipes when you’re short on time. From start to finish, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight champion. The use of ground beef makes it very affordable. You can easily add some Homemade Hamburgers for another fast dinner recipe that’s sure to please.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Homemade Hamburger Helper keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or reheat the entire batch in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

A Final Word: Embrace the Homemade Difference

So, there you have it – a super easy and flavorful Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ditch the boxed stuff and embrace the fresh, customizable goodness of homemade. And remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Alice Yowell

This easy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe ditches the processed ingredients of the boxed version for a quick, customizable, and scrumptious dinner. Made with fresh ingredients, including ground beef, diced tomatoes, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and will have everyone asking for seconds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Can opener

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite small pasta shape
• 4 cups water or beef broth

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the elbow macaroni (or your chosen pasta) and water or beef broth to the skillet.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the beef and pasta mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine.
• Serve immediately. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, microwave individual portions or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding milk or broth if needed. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables. Substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk in the cheese sauce for a richer flavor. Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Gruyere. Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add cannellini beans for a heartier meal.