\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?\u003c/strong\u003e

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they can dry out faster. You might want to add a bit more broth or a splash of milk to keep it moist.

\u003cstrong\u003eIs there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?\u003c/strong\u003e

Yes! Try swapping the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you can still enjoy the same comforting flavors with minimal changes.

\u003cstrong\u003eCan I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?\u003c/strong\u003e

You can brown the beef and onion in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, just add the spices, broth, and pasta to finish cooking. This cuts down the active cooking time on busy nights.

\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s the best cheese to use in this Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe?\u003c/strong\u003e

Sharp cheddar is classic for its vibrant flavor and good melting quality, but you can experiment with Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for a different taste. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

Homemade Hamburger Helper: Cozy & Cheesy Weeknight Dinner

Name: Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (80 or 85% lean recommended); 1 cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion; 4 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 ½ teaspoons sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¾ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups low sodium beef broth; 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked (8 ounces by weight); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Description

This homemade hamburger helper is a comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a cheesy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it combines bold spices and simple ingredients for a delicious, hearty dish that's ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (80 or 85% lean recommended)
1 cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 cups low sodium beef broth
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked (8 ounces by weight)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Heat the oil and brown beef: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, then cook while crumbling the beef until browned. Drain excess grease as needed.
Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, sweet paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add broth and pasta: Pour in the low sodium beef broth and stir. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer and cook pasta: Reduce heat to maintain a moderate simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened but still saucy.
Finish with cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80 or 85% lean ground beef for richer flavor compared to leaner beef.
Add extra vegetables like finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or celery before browning the beef or stir in frozen peas or spinach near the end for more nutrition.
To reduce richness, substitute half the beef broth with water.
For a creamier texture, substitute 1 to 1 ½ cups of broth with whole milk.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg