Mom's Hamburger Helper
Savor the nostalgic flavors of comfort food with *Mom's Hamburger Helper*, a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This homemade version of the classic dish features tender ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni simmered in a flavorful blend of beef broth, milk, and savory seasonings. Topped with creamy, melted cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers rich, cheesy goodness in every bite—without the need for a boxed mix. With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, this easy dinner is a family favorite that pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. Skip the store-bought and enjoy the nostalgic homemade taste that’s sure to bring everyone to the table! Perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas, budget-friendly meals, and easy comfort food recipes.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or similar small pasta)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions
Step 1
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
Step 2
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 4
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
Step 5
Add the pasta, beef broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir everything to combine.
Step 6
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 7
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy a warm bowl of Mom's Hamburger Helper!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1995.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3079.4 |
| Total Fat 176.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 86.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 8.6g | |
| Cholesterol 583.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5733.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 205.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.7g | |
| Protein 182.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 155.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2092.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2898.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories