Homemade Hamburger Helper – Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that will please the whole family? Look no further than this delectable Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe! With its creamy texture, flavorful blend of spices, and generous amount of melted cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Say goodbye to boxed versions and embrace the joy of preparing this homemade delight that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Every now and then, we stumble upon a recipe that becomes an instant hit with our loved ones. In my case, it was this incredible Homemade Hamburger Helper. I still remember the first time I served it to my family, their eyes widening with anticipation as the enticing aroma filled the kitchen. One bite, and they were hooked. From that day on, this dish has become a staple in our household, cherished not only for its incredible flavors but also for the memories we create around the dinner table. It’s a dish that brings us together, evoking laughter and joyful conversations. I hope it brings the same warmth and happiness to your family too.
Why This Homemade Hamburger Helper Will Steal Your Heart?
- This Homemade Hamburger Helper stands out from its store-bought counterparts with its rich and indulgent flavors, making it a truly memorable dining experience.
- The combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder infuses the dish with a tantalizing aroma and a depth of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- The creamy texture achieved by adding heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese creates a luxurious mouthfeel that is simply irresistible.
- You’ll love the convenience of using common pantry staples like ground beef, onion, garlic, and pasta shells to create a comforting and satisfying meal in no time.
- With the ability to adjust the seasoning and cheese to your personal preferences, this recipe allows for a customized flavor profile that suits your family’s taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) low-sodium beef broth
- 1 8 oz. (226 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups (226 grams) pasta shells (or elbow pasta)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked, remove the ground beef from the pan and set it aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring continuously for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta, stirring well to combine. Cover the pan with the lid and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally.
Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to the pan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan, stirring for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reheat the ground beef.
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve this mouthwatering Homemade Hamburger Helper immediately, and get ready to savor the delightful flavors.
Notes:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as elbow pasta or rotini, based on your personal preference.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
In conclusion, Homemade Hamburger Helper is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings comfort, satisfaction, and joy to your dinner table. With its creamy sauce, flavorful spices, and melty cheddar cheese, this dish embodies the essence of homemade goodness. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone craving seconds. So, put aside the store-bought boxes and embark on a journey of culinary delight with this homemade version. Enjoy the process of creating a dish that will not only nourish your body but also warm your soul. Get ready to savor every bite of this cheesy, flavorful delight that will become a cherished favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients, let the enticing aroma fill your kitchen, and indulge in the pure joy of sharing a homemade meal with your loved ones. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great alternative to ground beef in this recipe. It will add a slightly different flavor profile but will still result in a delicious dish.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Certainly! While cheddar cheese complements the flavors perfectly, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or a blend of different cheeses, to create your own twist.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Transfer the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, ensuring to remove any excess air. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe serves as a versatile base, and you can easily incorporate vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for added texture and nutritional value.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Homemade-Hamburger-Helper-360x361.jpg)
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 pound 454 grams lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 480 milliliters low-sodium beef broth
- 1 8 oz. 226 grams can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups 226 grams pasta shells (or elbow pasta)
- ½ cup 120 milliliters heavy cream
- 2 cups 226 grams shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked, remove the ground beef from the pan and set it aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring continuously for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta, stirring well to combine. Cover the pan with the lid and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to the pan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan, stirring for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reheat the ground beef.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve this mouthwatering Homemade Hamburger Helper immediately, and get ready to savor the delightful flavors.
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