Description
This homemade Hamburger Helper is a cozy, one-pan dinner that tastes way better than the boxed version! Made with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy sauce — it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound 93/7 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour or 1 tablespoon cornstarch (see Note)
- 2 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or hot water (a mix of beef and chicken stock recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 8 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
- Minced fresh parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the flour (or cornstarch) to form a roux. Cook for another minute.
- Gradually pour in the stock and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the macaroni pasta, stirring well to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use flour; for a slightly lighter texture, use cornstarch.
- Try mixing cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for an extra gooey finish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days — reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg