Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 2 heaping tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the beef — Add the ground beef and onion to a soup pot or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking the meat up as you go, until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add the seasoning — Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder until everything is well coated.
3. Cook the pasta — Pour in the beef broth and increase heat to high. Once boiling, add the macaroni. Reduce to a rapid simmer and cook uncovered for 13–15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Add the cheese — Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Cheese tip — Use freshly grated cheddar rather than pre-shredded; it melts much smoother into the sauce.
• Liquid level — Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks — if it looks too dry before it's done, add a splash more broth.

Tags: #recipe #beef #pasta #onepot #comfortfood #american #quickdinner #weeknight