Homemade Hamburger Helper
A quick one-pot homemade version of boxed hamburger helper: ground beef cooked with tomato paste and spices, simmered with pasta in beef broth, then finished with shredded cheddar.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ?1 tablespoonolive oil
- ?1 poundground beef
- ?1 small onion peeled and grated
- ?3 tablespoonstomato paste
- ?1 teaspoongarlic powder
- ?1/2 teaspoonchili powder
- ?1/2 teaspoonsalt
- ?2 cupspasta such as elbow macaroni
- ?1 quartbeef broth reduced sodium if desired
- ?2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Instructions
- Place a large pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil to warm.
- Add 1 pound ground beef and the grated small onion. Cook 8–10 minutes, breaking the meat into pieces, until the beef is browned.
- Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined.
- Pour in 1 quart beef broth and increase heat to high. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium so the broth maintains a gentle simmer (steady, calm bubbles, not a vigorous boil).
- Add 2 cups pasta (such as elbow macaroni) to the pot and stir gently to separate the pieces.
- Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 14–16 minutes. A little liquid remaining is fine; it will be absorbed as the dish rests.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly incorporated. Serve.
Equipment
- Large Pot
Notes
Store leftovers in anairtight containerfor up to 5 days. To reheat, sprinkle with water and cover with a plate or wax paper and warm for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
Use lean ground beef if desired, or drain off any excess fat once the meat is done cooking.
Add 1 cup finely diced mushrooms to the pan with the onion and beef to easily add a veggie.
Add 8 ounces tomato sauce at the end of cooking for a more robust tomato flavor.
Top with minced fresh parsley if desired.
Use lean ground beef if desired, or drain off any excess fat once the meat is done cooking.
Add 1 cup finely diced mushrooms to the pan with the onion and beef to easily add a veggie.
Add 8 ounces tomato sauce at the end of cooking for a more robust tomato flavor.
Top with minced fresh parsley if desired.