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Learning how to make Homemade Hamburger Helper is easy and simple. This recipe comes together quickly for a meal the whole family will enjoy.
Recipe for Hamburger Helper
If you want an old favorite with a slightly tastier twist, this Homemade Hamburger Helper is just the recipe to try. It’s creamy and belly-warming and, best of all, quick – perfect for those days when you want to make something from scratch but don’t have the time (or the energy) to prepare something complicated.
The stuff in the box at the store is okay, and it’s fine to get if you’re on a budget. I will say, though, y’all – if you can choose homemade – definitely choose homemade! It takes about the same amount of time, but it tastes way better, trust me. Must be that from-scratch magic. 😉
Also, it’s way better for you. I mean, if you look on the back of any brand of boxed stuff – there’s a lot of ingredients there that either doesn’t make sense or are completely unpronounceable! So, this recipe is a little healthier. You know exactly what’s going in it. I know that’s very important to many people, especially when it comes to feeding the family!
Ready for this dinnertime classic? Need some amazing comfort food? Read on because your loved ones are gonna gobble it right up!!
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- olive oil
- lean ground beef
- small onion
- dried parsley flakes
- garlic powder
- uncooked elbow macaroni
- milk
- hot water
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
How to make Homemade Hamburger Helper
Time needed: 25 minutes
How to make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Heat skillet.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown and crumble the ground beef with the onion.
Add ground beef and onion and cook until beef is cooked through with no pink, drain if necessary and return the beef mixture to the skillet.
- Stir in ingredients.
Add the dried parsley, garlic powder, pasta, milk, and water to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat.
Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook.
Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the cheese.
Turn off the heat and add the cheese, stirring to combine until the cheese is melted.
- Serve.
Serve immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
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Hamburger Helper: FAQs
Do you have any questions? I’ve got answers! This is an easy recipe, but I still collected a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years in this section.
I haven’t tried anything but what I listed in the recipe, so add anything I list here to your hamburger helper at your own risk! (Not that there’s much of a risk with vegetables!!) Some ideas for additions: paprika, cayenne pepper, carrots, zucchini, peas, mushrooms, kidney beans. If you have picky eaters in your house, this could be a wonderful recipe for hiding veggies, by the way!
Generally, Sharp Cheddar! Although you can use shredded cheddar cheese from the bag. Velveeta works well, too.
Oh yes! Feel free. It’ll be just as tasty.
I’ve seen other people use ground turkey successfully, and even ground venison or lentils! I would imagine you can get creative if you don’t like, don’t have, or are avoiding beef.
Yes, it may slightly affect the cooking time since gluten-free pasta tends to take longer to become tender. However, it shouldn’t affect the recipe substantially!
I haven’t cooked this recipe lactose/dairy-free, but I’ve read about many people use milk alternatives just fine. Proceed with caution but definitely try it if you need to – this recipe is just too good to pass up!
Some of my most beloved recipes are just homemade versions of store-bought favorites – and I can’t wait to see how everyone enjoys this one! Leave me a comment below with your experience, and feel free to ask questions as always. 😊
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Homemade Hamburger Helper
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups hot water
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and onion and cook until beef is cooked through with no pink, drain if necessary and return the beef mixture to the skillet.
- Add the dried parsley, garlic powder, pasta, milk, and water to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring frequently.
- Turn off the heat and add the cheese, stirring to combine until the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- You can easily halve or double this recipe if you’re feeding a lot of people (or just in the mood for a hamburger helper feast)! Happy cooking!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Very good. I made it tonight and the family liked it. It is easy to make.