Homestyle Hamburger Helper

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you’re craving comfort food but want to skip the box, this Homestyle Hamburger Helper recipe is your answer. With a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a hearty, satisfying meal that’s miles better than the store-bought version.

Ingredients for Homestyle Hamburger Helper

Ground beef is the star of this dish, providing protein and richness. Milk and water create a creamy sauce that cooks the pasta right in the skillet. Elbow macaroni is the perfect shape to hold the sauce and cheese. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy flavor and creamy texture. Onions and garlic bring an aromatic base, while olive oil is used to sauté them. The spices — salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper — add depth and a hint of heat, balancing the dish perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try browning the beef in small batches to get a nice sear.
  • If you like a bit more spice, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor results.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the cheese. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans also makes for a great, nutritious complement. For a bit of crunch, consider topping with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with any small pasta shape, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
You can use ground turkey instead of beef and low-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

Homestyle Hamburger Helper Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the onions turn translucent. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the flavors to come.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat to keep from making the dish greasy. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to evenly coat the beef in spices.

Pour in the milk and water, then add the elbow macaroni. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. The cheese should meld seamlessly into the mixture, creating a wonderfully rich sauce.

Serve your Homestyle Hamburger Helper hot, and enjoy the comforting goodness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich, cheesy flavor that the whole family will love.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup milk
2 cups water
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
4. Pour in milk and water, then add elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Hamburger Helper.

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