Oh, the joys of a dish that can transport you back to simpler times! This Easy Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper is like a warm hug for your taste buds—comfort in a pan, really. Remember those nights when your favorite TV show was on and dinner was a one-pot wonder? This recipe brings all that nostalgia with a modern twist—cheese, pasta, beef—all coming together in a symphony of flavors that, quite frankly, might make you forget about everything else, even if just for a moment.
Steps
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium-high heat until the beef is browned, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Mix in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder with the browned beef and onions.
- Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to high until the mixture begins to boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked macaroni.
- Lower the heat to maintain a rapid simmer and cook the pasta uncovered, stirring every few minutes, until tender and most liquid is absorbed, approximately 13-15 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, grate the cheddar cheese. After the pasta is done, remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef (at least 90% lean)
- 1/2 medium Vidalia (sweet) onion, chopped
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 1106mg | Potassium: 624mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 640IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 437mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. It may alter the flavor slightly, but these options work well for a lighter version.
- What can I do if my Hamburger Helper runs out of liquid while cooking?
- If you find the dish running out of liquid before the pasta is cooked, you can add additional beef broth in 1/2 cup increments. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the pasta cooks properly.
- Can I freeze the leftovers of this Hamburger Helper?
- It is not recommended to freeze the leftovers as cooked pasta can lose its texture upon thawing. It’s best to store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
- You can enhance this dish by adding vegetables such as finely chopped bell peppers or a handful of spinach. Introduce these towards the end of the cooking process to maintain their texture.
- Is it possible to use a different pasta shape?
- You can experiment with different pasta shapes like shells; however, you may need to adjust the liquid amounts and cooking time as this recipe has been specifically tested with elbow macaroni.
Tips
- If you find the mixture is drying out too quickly while the pasta is cooking, gradually add extra liquid, about 1/2 cup at a time, to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- For added nutrition and flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or finely chopped bell peppers towards the end of cooking.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack or smoked cheddar to create unique flavor profiles for your dish.
- If you prefer using a different type of ground meat like turkey or chicken, feel free to substitute it, keeping in mind the taste and texture differences.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – Essential for cooking the hamburger helper in one pot.
- Cheese Grater – Needed for grating cheddar cheese.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spoon – Useful for stirring the mixture as it cooks.
