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bowl of hamburger helper on a wood board

Hamburger Helper

Skip the box and make this homemade hamburger helper from scratch.
5 from 3 votes
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Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 dashes hot sauce *optional

Instructions

  • In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onion until almost translucent.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink. *Drain fat if desired
  • Add the tomato paste, spices, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  • Add in the macaroni and broth. Stir to keep the pasta from sticking in clumps. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until macaroni is tender.
  • Remove from the burner, stir in the cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce if desired. Enjoy warm.

Video

Notes

  • Cook until the elbow pasta is tender (al dente) but not mushy.
  • Change the shape of pasta. Egg noodles work great in this recipe.
  • Switch out the ground beef for ground turkey if desired.
  • You can use water to cook it but beef broth makes it more flavorful.
  • Add in your favorite family spices and cheeses.

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 696mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g