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Hamburger Helper

Hamburger Helper
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Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple pantry ingredients and can be easily customized with different meats, veggies, and spices to suit your taste. This family-friendly dish is ready in under 30 minutes and offers a delicious, hearty dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or quick-cooking pasta
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups water or broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Optional Variations

  • Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitute in place of beef
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, peas)
  • Hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for spice
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
  • Different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant, creating a flavorful base.
  3. Add Pasta and Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta along with water or broth. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Stir in Cheese and Milk: Lower the heat and add shredded cheese along with milk or cream. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
  5. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Give the dish a final stir and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired for an extra pop of color.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onions to boost flavor dramatically.
  • Slightly undercook the pasta in the skillet as it will soften further when cheese is added.
  • Drain fat thoroughly from the beef to prevent an oily dish.
  • A sharper cheddar cheese will provide deeper flavor and richness.
  • Simmer gently when adding milk and cheese to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hamburger Helper, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, one-pot meal, quick meals, family-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/hamburger-helper/