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Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe Kids Love in 30 Minutes

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A quick and easy homemade version of Hamburger Helper that is kid-approved, made with simple pantry staples, and ready in about 30 minutes. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish with ground beef is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (200 g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth (480 ml), low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup milk (240 ml), whole or 2%
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (170 g)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of paprika or cayenne
  • Optional: chopped bell peppers

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to deepen flavor and coat beef evenly.
  4. Slowly add beef broth and milk to the pan, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Mix well.
  5. Stir in elbow macaroni. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and add shredded cheddar cheese and butter. Stir until melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step to avoid mushy pasta. Stir gently and occasionally to prevent sticking. Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef to ensure proper browning. Adding butter at the end enhances sauce silkiness. Variations include adding veggies, swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken, or using dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, kid-friendly meals, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/easy-homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe-kids-love-in-30-minutes/