Hey there, fellow home cooks! I’m so excited to share my take on a classic comfort food that brings back so many cozy memories: this delicious hamburger helper homemade! It’s an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights, and trust me, it’s way better than anything you’ll find in a box. With simple ingredients and just one pot to clean up, you can whip this up in no time. Plus, it’s got that creamy, cheesy goodness that’ll make everyone at the table smile. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Ingredients for Hamburger Helper Homemade

Let’s gather everything we need to make this scrumptious dish! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef (I like using lean for a healthier option!)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (the classic choice for this recipe)
• 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought works perfectly)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk gives it that creamy richness)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I always go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (just enough to sauté the veggies)
• 1 onion, diced (this adds a lovely sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this, it’s so flavorful!)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those yummy flavors)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick!)

Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go. It’ll make the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Hamburger Helper Homemade

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious homemade meal in no time. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through it!

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

First things first, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. I like to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan; it helps everything sauté beautifully without sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil looks shiny and starts to shimmer a bit. Just be careful not to let it smoke!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Now, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. You’ll know it’s time to move on when the kitchen starts smelling heavenly—trust me, that garlic aroma is a good sign!

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want it to turn a nice brown color, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you see any excess fat pooling in the pan, feel free to drain it off; nobody wants a greasy dish!

Step 4: Season and Add Broth

Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in that teaspoon of salt and black pepper, and give it a good stir. Then, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This step is crucial because it’ll help infuse all the flavors together beautifully!

Step 5: Incorporate Elbow Macaroni

Once it’s boiling, stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want the pasta to be tender but not mushy. Just taste a piece if you’re unsure—it’s the best way to check!

Step 6: Stir in Milk and Cheese

Finally, pour in the milk and mix it all together. This is where the magic happens! Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and creamy. If it seems like the cheese isn’t melting, just keep stirring over low heat for a bit longer. And voila, your cheesy goodness is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Success

Before you dive in, here are some handy tips to ensure your homemade hamburger helper turns out perfectly every time! These little nuggets of wisdom can save you from common pitfalls:

• Don’t rush the sautéing: Allowing the onion and garlic to become soft and fragrant makes a huge difference in flavor. Patience is key here!
• Drain excess fat: If you’re using regular ground beef, don’t forget to drain any excess grease after browning. It keeps your dish from becoming too oily.
• Check pasta doneness: Pasta can go from perfectly al dente to mushy in a flash. Taste a piece a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to get it just right!
• Customize your spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs like paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat!
• Use quality cheese: The better the cheese, the creamier your dish will be. I always stick to sharp cheddar for its bold flavor.
• Leftover love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just add a splash of milk when reheating for that creamy goodness!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make an amazing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of this delicious homemade hamburger helper:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 25g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But this should give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your meal knowing it’s not just delicious, but it’s also filling and packed with protein!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade hamburger helper is a total game-changer, and here’s why you’re going to love it just as much as I do:

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax. Who doesn’t love that?
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate cozy dish that warms you right up.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste by adding your favorite spices or veggies.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will rave about this dish—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank.

Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll wonder why you ever considered the boxed kind!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this amazing hamburger helper homemade, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it! Here are some simple and tasty ideas that complement the dish perfectly:

• Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, carrots, and green beans adds a nice crunch and a pop of color to your plate. Plus, it balances out the richness of the hamburger helper!
• Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness left on your plate.
• Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can brighten up the meal and add a refreshing touch.
• Pickles: A few dill pickles on the side can provide a tangy contrast that really enhances the flavors of the dish!
• Shredded Lettuce and Tomato: If you want to make it feel more like a burger, topping your serving with some shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes adds a nice crunch and freshness.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what your family loves! The best part is, no matter what you choose, you’ll have a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! If you find yourself with some extra hamburger helper (which is totally likely because it’s so good), here’s how to store it properly and reheat it without losing that creamy, cheesy goodness.

First, make sure to let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming in your container, which can make things a bit soggy. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container—this is key for keeping everything fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and be mindful to remove as much air as possible. It’ll last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now, for reheating, you can do it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, place the leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. It should warm through in about 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, if you’re in a hurry, just pop it in the microwave! Heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. Again, a little splash of milk can work wonders if it looks a bit thick.

And there you have it—simple storage and reheating tips that will keep your homemade hamburger helper tasting just as fabulous as the first time you made it!

Hamburger Helper Homemade: 6 Steps to Cheesy Bliss

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A simple and delicious homemade hamburger helper recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in salt and black pepper.
5. Add beef broth and bring to a boil.
6. Stir in elbow macaroni. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
7. Pour in milk and mix well.
8. Add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
9. Serve warm and enjoy your meal.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• You can substitute pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
• For extra flavor, add your favorite spices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: hamburger helper homemade, easy hamburger recipe, one pot meal