Homemade Hamburger Helper
A quick and satisfying meal that's cheesy and customizable, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni works well)
- 4 cups beef broth or water Use beef broth for more flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to try different cheeses.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Optional for cooking the beef.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the pasta and beef broth (or water) to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Notes
Serve warm. You can garnish with fresh parsley or more cheese. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread. Allow leftovers to cool before storing in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage. For extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or vegetables.