Whip up a satisfying dish that the whole family will love with this homemade hamburger helper recipe. This one-pot wonder combines simple, everyday ingredients to create a rich, cheesy, and comforting meal that's cooked to perfection in less than 30 minutes. It's the perfect dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners.
The ingredients for this recipe are mostly pantry staples, including ground beef, onion, garlic, elbow macaroni, and cheddar cheese. The evaporated milk, which adds a creamy richness to the dish, can be found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Don't forget to pick up some chicken broth, which is used to cook the macaroni and lends a robust flavor to the dish.
Ingredients for Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ground beef: The main protein source in this dish, adding a meaty flavor and texture.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor that complements the beef.
Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic base flavor.
Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the dish.
Yellow mustard: Adds a bit of tang and heat.
Elbow macaroni: Small pieces of pasta that hold up well in hearty dishes like this.
Chicken broth: Cooks the pasta and adds a hearty flavor to the dish.
Evaporated milk: Adds a creamy, rich texture to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish for a gooey, cheesy finish.
One reader, Holden Stacey says:
This homemade hamburger helper recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and it's so easy to make. My family loved it, and I felt like a kitchen superstar. The cheesy, creamy goodness is irresistible. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Hamburger Helper
How to brown ground beef: In a large pot, add the ground beef and onion, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned.
How to cook macaroni: Add the macaroni and broth to the pot, stir well to combine, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the macaroni is cooked through and tender.
How to melt cheese: Stir in evaporated milk and cheese until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
How To Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
This homemade version of Hamburger Helper has all the goodness of the boxed cheeseburger macaroni and more. It’s a great weeknight dinner for the family.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground beef
- ½yellow onion,diced
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- 1tbspketchup
- 1tspyellow mustard
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspcoarse ground black pepper
- 2cupselbow macaroni,uncooked
- 3½cupschicken broth
- 1cupevaporated milk
- 2cupscheddar cheese,shredded
Instructions
-
To a large pot add the ground beef and onion, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned.
-
Add garlic and stir, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Add the ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper, macaroni, and broth to the pan. Stir well to combine.
-
Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until macaroni is cooked through and tender.
-
Stir in evaporated milk and cheese until melted.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1576.05kcal
- Fat: 111.03g
- Saturated Fat: 45.39g
- Trans Fat: 5.87g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 45.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.60g
- Carbohydrates: 37.96g
- Fiber: 1.40g
- Sugar: 8.54g
- Protein: 99.64g
- Cholesterol: 383.31mg
- Sodium: 1178.55mg
- Calcium: 505.11mg
- Potassium: 1639.50mg
- Iron: 9.77mg
- Vitamin A: 163.39µg
- Vitamin C: 2.12mg
Helpful Technique for Enhancing Your Homemade Hamburger Helper
When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it apart into small, even pieces. This will not only ensure that the beef cooks evenly, but also that each bite of your homemade hamburger helper is packed with flavor. Additionally, when adding the elbow macaroni, be sure to stir it well to ensure that each piece is coated in the flavorful broth. This will help the pasta to absorb the flavors as it cooks, resulting in a more flavorful final dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Homemade Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and freeze the extra for a quick meal on busy days.
Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to simplify meal prep.
Time-saving ingredients: Utilize canned or pre-cut ingredients to cut down on prep time.
Plan your menu: Create a weekly meal plan to organize your grocery shopping and cooking schedule efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. It also has a similar texture and flavor when cooked.
elbow macaroni - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne pasta has a similar shape and texture to elbow macaroni, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly. It also adds a rich flavor to the recipe.
evaporated milk - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can be used as a substitute for evaporated milk to provide a creamy texture and richness to the dish.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with colby jack cheese: Colby jack cheese has a similar meltability and flavor profile to cheddar cheese, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
Presenting Your Homemade Hamburger Helper
Elevate the plating: When presenting this hamburger helper, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a large, white, shallow bowl to showcase the dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine through.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color by garnishing the dish with finely chopped parsley or chives. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the presentation, such as a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or a small side of garlic toast. This will provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy dish.
Emphasize the cheese: Highlight the star ingredient by grating a small amount of high-quality cheddar cheese on top of the dish just before serving. This will create a beautiful, melty finish that is sure to impress.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the cleanliness of the plate and ensure that any spills or smudges are carefully wiped away before serving. This demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Hamburger Helper from Scratch
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing ingredients.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for sautéing and frying.
- Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving. It is ideal for use with nonstick cookware.
- Measuring cups: Used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Measuring spoons: Used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and cooking large quantities of food.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
- Grater: Used to grate cheese, vegetables, or other foods into fine pieces.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food.
- Cheese grater: Specifically used for grating cheese into fine pieces.
- Can opener: Used to open cans of ingredients such as evaporated milk or tomato sauce.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Hamburger Helper
To store leftover homemade hamburger helper, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating the stored hamburger helper, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
If you want to freeze the hamburger helper for later use, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen hamburger helper, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, transfer the contents to a saucepan and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen hamburger helper directly from the freezer. Place the frozen contents in a saucepan, add a small amount of liquid, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the dish is heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Reheating Your Leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover homemade hamburger helper to a saucepan and add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help loosen the sauce. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the sauce is creamy. This method allows you to control the moisture content and ensure even heating.
Microwave method: place the leftover homemade hamburger helper in a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying out. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate or the macaroni to become mushy.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover homemade hamburger helper to an oven-safe dish and add a small amount of chicken broth or milk to maintain moisture. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and create a crispy texture. This method is ideal for larger portions and results in a casserole-like dish.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover homemade hamburger helper, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the leftovers to the slow cooker, add a small amount of chicken broth or milk, and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This method is convenient for hands-off reheating and can help the flavors meld together even more.
Interesting Trivia About Homemade Hamburger Helper
The homemade hamburger helper recipe is a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to the store-bought version. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with different types of cheese, seasonings, and even vegetables. This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients for picky eaters, as you can easily add in some finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Plus, it's a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze. With its creamy, cheesy goodness, it's sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!
Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Making Hamburger Helper at Home
The homemade hamburger helper recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Ground beef and macaroni are affordable staples, and the addition of cheese and evaporated milk adds richness without breaking the bank. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15. This hearty dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal, earning a solid 8 out of 10 rating for its affordability and deliciousness.
Is This Homemade Dish Healthy or Not?
The homemade hamburger helper recipe, while comforting and delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe uses ground beef and cheddar cheese, both of which are high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Refined carbohydrates: Elbow macaroni is a refined carbohydrate, which means it has been stripped of its fiber and nutrients. Consuming too many refined carbs can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, as well as weight gain.
- High in sodium: The recipe calls for kosher salt and chicken broth, both of which can be high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
- Low in vegetables: The recipe only includes onion and garlic, which means it is lacking in important vitamins, minerals, and fiber that come from a variety of vegetables.
To make this recipe healthier, try the following:
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of regular ground beef to reduce the amount of saturated fat
- Swap out half of the elbow macaroni for a whole grain variety, such as whole wheat or quinoa pasta, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese used, or use a lower fat variety, such as part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar
- Add more vegetables to the recipe, such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to increase the vitamin and mineral content
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or homemade chicken stock to reduce the sodium content
- Consider using a plant-based milk, such as unsweetened almond milk, instead of evaporated milk to reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories
Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
This homemade hamburger helper recipe is a delightful twist on the classic boxed version. The combination of ground beef, onion, and garlic creates a rich and savory base, while the addition of ketchup and mustard adds a tangy kick. The macaroni cooks to perfection in the flavorful broth, and the evaporated milk and cheddar cheese bring a creamy and indulgent finish. This dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that will surely become a family favorite.
Enhance Your Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe:
This homemade hamburger helper recipe offers a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With wholesome ingredients like ground beef, onion, and garlic, this recipe promises a flavorful and satisfying dish. The use of chicken broth and evaporated milk adds richness and depth to the dish, while the addition of cheddar cheese brings a creamy and indulgent touch. Trust this recipe for a hearty and wholesome meal that's sure to please the whole family.
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