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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers all the cozy flavors of the classic boxed version but made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • ½ cup sour cream

Seasoning and Pasta

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and aromatics: In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then return the pot to the heat.
  2. Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the beef broth, milk, and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder until everything is well combined.
  3. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring it’s bubbling gently.
  4. Cook macaroni: Add the dry elbow macaroni to the boiling mixture and stir. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Finish with cheese and sour cream: Remove the lid and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
  • Use whole milk or 2% milk for creamier texture; skimming fat from the beef thoroughly helps reduce greasiness.
  • Adding fresh parsley or chives as garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta with beef, one pot meal, skillet dinner

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe/