easy hamburger helper recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy hamburger helper recipe

I’m so glad I can share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – the easy hamburger helper recipe. I remember my mom making it for us when I was a kid, and now I make it for my own kids. It’s a staple in our household, and for good reason.

The combination of ground beef, pasta, and seasonings is a match made in heaven. My kids love helping me make it, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort food options. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ground beef and fresh pasta.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings – add some chopped onions or bell peppers to give it an extra kick. The result is a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner solution or just want something easy to make for a crowd, this hamburger helper recipe is a great choice.

It’s also a great way to get your kids involved in cooking – they can help with the measuring and stirring. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good excuse to break out the old slow cooker? This recipe is perfect for busy families like mine who need something fast and easy but still packed with flavor.

Easy Hamburger Helper

Easy Hamburger Helper

4.9 from 607 votes

A quick and comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce. This homemade version is ready in under 30 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup milk
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Drain any excess fat if needed.
4Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
5Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
7Stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, tomato sauce, milk, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
8Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
9Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
10The sauce should be thick and creamy.
11Remove the skillet from the heat.
12Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
13The mixture should be smooth and cheesy.
14Serve hot directly from the skillet.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add frozen peas or corn during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Easy Hamburger Helper Works

This easy hamburger helper recipe has been a staple in my household for years – not only because of its ease of preparation but also because of its versatility. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

I love how my kids can help me make it – they love measuring out the ingredients and stirring the pot. Plus, it’s relatively healthy considering how comforting it is!

If you’re looking for an easy way to feed your family without breaking the bank or spending too much time cooking – look no further than this delicious hamburger helper recipe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Helper

Q: What is hamburger helper?

Hamburger helper is a type of comfort food dish made from ground beef, pasta, and seasonings.

Q: Is hamburger helper healthy?

While hamburger helper can be considered unhealthy due to its high sodium content, there are ways to make it healthier by using low-sodium seasonings and leaner ground beef.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta in this recipe – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make hamburger helper in advance?

Yes, you can make hamburger helper in advance by preparing the ingredients and storing them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this recipe such as chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or even cooked beans for added nutrition.

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