Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef or turkey, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, its a delicious dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the milk, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Different types of cheese can be used for varied flavors.
- This dish is great for meal prep; consider doubling the recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes