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Hamburger Helper

Delicious Homemade Hamburger Helper for Quick Family Dinners

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and nutritious dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights with its hearty flavors and customizable ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 pound lean ground beef substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal
  • 1 onion chopped; use yellow or white onion for better flavor
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste can substitute with crushed tomatoes for different texture
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh garlic can be used, adjust quantity to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder sweet paprika is a milder substitute
  • 4 cups beef broth chicken or vegetable broth can be used
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni opt for gluten-free pasta if needed
For the Finish
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly grated yields best results
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large soup pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Hamburger Helper
  1. In a large soup pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking for 7-10 minutes until browned and translucent. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder into the meat mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add beef broth and stir well, bringing it to a rolling boil.
  4. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni, stirring to distribute. Lower heat and simmer for 13-15 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This dish can be customized with gluten-free pasta or quick-cooking vegetables for added nutrition.

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