One Pot Hamburger Helper
This nostalgic comfort food classic brings back memories of childhood dinners, but with a homemade twist that eliminates artificial ingredients while keeping the convenience intact. Our homestyle hamburger helper delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you remember, but with real ingredients your family will appreciate.
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 85/15 recommended for best flavor
- 1 small onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
- 2 cups milk 2% or whole works best
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink (approximately 5-7 minutes). Break it into small pieces as it cooks using a wooden spoon. If your beef is particularly fatty, drain all but about 1 tablespoon of the grease.
- Add the diced onion to the browned meat and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flavor. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the milk, uncooked pasta, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, mustard powder, and oregano. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove pan from heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving—this resting period allows the sauce to thicken to that perfect, creamy consistency.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content
- Incorporate finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrients
- Try ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
- For freezing, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months
- When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture
- Incorporate finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrients
- Try ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
- For freezing, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months
- When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 650mg | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 15mg
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