Homemade Hamburger Helper (Cheesy One-Skillet)
Dinner on the table in twenty minutes, one skillet to wash, and not a single mystery ingredient. This homemade version of the childhood classic tastes better than the box ever did and costs about a third as much. Real cheese, real flavor, real easy.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 809kcal
Cost: About $10
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz about 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded from a block
For the Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef (and onion if using) in a deep skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in seasoning blend for 30 seconds.
- Add broth, milk, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and dry pasta. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheese one handful at a time until melted.
- Taste, adjust salt, and serve hot.
Notes
Cheese matters. Shred it from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking powder that keeps it from melting smoothly.
No beef broth? A cup of water plus a beef bouillon cube works perfectly. Better Than Bouillon is even better.
Watch the liquid. If it looks dry before the pasta is done, add a splash of broth or milk. Too soupy at the end? Leave the lid off for the last couple of minutes.
Ground turkey works. Swap it one-for-one if that's what's in the freezer. Same method, slightly lighter result.
Leftovers reheat beautifully. It thickens as it cools, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. Microwave covered or warm in a skillet over low heat.
Freezer friendly. Freeze in individual portions for quick lunches or lazy weeknight dinners. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little liquid.
Nutrition
Calories: 809kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 1790mg | Potassium: 884mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1160IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 536mg | Iron: 4mg
