Tip from Copacop…Much better than the box mix…
Credit: Spendwithpennies dot com.
Posted For: Copacop
By:Holly Nilsson
Skip the box; this homemade hamburger helper recipe is ready in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients in Hamburger Helper
Hamburger helper is an easy recipe and this homemade version uses simple pantry ingredients. It’s budget-friendly and reheats well so double up for easy meals throughout the week.
Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef (80/20) for the best flavor and drain any fat after cooking. If using ground turkey or ground chicken; add additional seasoning as needed.
Pasta – Choose small to medium size pasta like shells, elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini. Depending on the type of pasta, you may need a little bit more or less broth and/or cooking time.
Liquid – Broth and tomato paste add flavor while milk makes it creamy. Replace beef broth with chicken broth if needed.
Seasonings – I add chili powder and onion powder. Feel free to add some garlic powder, taco seasoning, or Italian herbs to make your own version of hamburger helper.
Cheese – Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor (pre-shredded works just fine in this recipe).
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
This is a homemade versoin of a childhood favorite and is loved by kids and adults alike!
- Brown the beef in a deep skillet or Dutch oven per the recipe below.
- Add the sauce ingredients and dry pasta. Simmer until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in cheese cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 80/20
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces medium pasta such as shells or large elbows
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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In a 12-inch skillet, cook the ground beef over medium high heat until no pink remains while breaking up with a spoon. Drain any fat.
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Add 1 ¾ cups beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, onion powder, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil.
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Add the pasta and cover. Reduce the heat to medium low and let simmer covered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Uncover and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes or until the pasta is tender, adding more liquid as needed.
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Remove from the heat and rest uncovered for 5 minutes. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
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