Main Dishes

Homemade Classic Hamburger Helper

Easy 30-minute one-pot macaroni dish with lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
Recipe by Michigan Fitness Foundation
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Makes4 servings
Total timeTotal40 minutes
Prep 10 minutes Cook 30 minutes
Prep 10 minutes Cook 30 minutes
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings. Check items off as you go.
  • 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups cooked mixed vegetables (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until there is no pink left. Drain off extra grease.
  3. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, cornstarch, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring well. Bring to a boil.
  6. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in macaroni.
  7. Continue simmering without a lid, stirring every few minutes. Cook until macaroni is tender, and most of the liquid is gone, about 10 minutes.
  8. Turn off heat. Stir in the cooked vegetables, if using, and the shredded cheese. Let macaroni sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce and melt cheese. Serve warm.
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