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Homemade Classic Hamburger Helper

Homemade Classic Hamburger Helper

Easy 30-minute one-pot macaroni dish with lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
Michigan Fitness Foundation
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dishes
World Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 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)

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • 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.
  • Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften.
  • Stir in tomato paste, cornstarch, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring well. Bring to a boil.
  • Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in macaroni.
  • Continue simmering without a lid, stirring every few minutes. Cook until macaroni is tender, and most of the liquid is gone, about 10 minutes.
  • 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.

Notes

Ingredient Tip
  • Kosher salt, depending on the brand, can contain almost 50% less sodium than table salt. You can find kosher salt in the spice section of most large grocery stores. 
 
Change it Up!
  • Use ground turkey or ground chicken in this recipe. 
  • Replace the blend of spices with 2 teaspoons taco seasoning and the cheddar cheese with Mexican Blend cheese. Top with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and jalapeños. 
 
Food Safety Tip
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze. When reheating after freezing, the macaroni may break apart but will still taste good and be safe to eat. 
Seasonal 30 minutes or Less, Comfort Food, One Pot Meals