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–+ servings
Homemade Hamburger Helper

Ultimate Homemade Hamburger Helper for Joyful Family Dinners

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting one-pot meal that delivers nostalgic flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat and Pasta
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Juicy 80/20 blend is best for flavor.
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni This pasta shape holds onto the sauce wonderfully.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Freshly grated melts effortlessly.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Provides creaminess; can swap with heavy cream.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Deepens the flavor; chicken broth is a good alternative.
  • 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce; cornstarch is a gluten-free substitute.
For Seasoning and Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Offers a warm, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Introduces smokiness and rich color.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Fresh garnish that adds color and herbal freshness.

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
  3. Dust 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir until evenly coated. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of whole milk.
  4. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni directly into the skillet with the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the dish before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Quality meat and freshly grated cheese are key to the best results. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed.

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