Homemade One-Pot Hamburger Helper
This homemade hamburger helper is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, delivering all the nostalgic flavors of a childhood classic without the artificial additives of boxed mixes. Featuring savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this hearty one-pot meal is designed to save time while bringing the whole family together for a satisfying and warming dinner experience.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
3 cups beef broth
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place your beef and onions into a large soup pot or heavy-bottomed skillet.
Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is fully browned, using your spoon to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles.
Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot before moving to the next step.
Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder until the meat is evenly coated and aromatic.
Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to high until the liquid begins to bubble.
Add the dry macaroni and reduce the heat to a steady simmer, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking.
Cook for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the broth has thickened into a glossy sauce.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it is silky and melted throughout.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it rest for two minutes before serving.
Notes
Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency. Do not cover the pot while simmering to ensure the sauce thickens properly as the liquid evaporates. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to adjust the texture.
Find it online: https://elitesrecipes.com/homemade-hamburger-helper/