Description
This homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal made with lean ground beef, tender macaroni, and a savory blend of spices, tomato sauce, and broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights, garnished with fresh tomatoes and parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes, optional to taste
Liquids and Dairy
- 3/4 cup canned tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Carbs
- 1 12-ounce box macaroni/elbow pasta (can use gluten free)
Garnish
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the avocado or olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Brown Beef: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and lean ground beef to the pot. Break the beef up with your spoon and sauté everything for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onions become translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and milk into the pot. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Add Pasta: Pour the macaroni or elbow pasta into the pot, stir everything together, and increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Boil and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir often, including the bottom of the pot, to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking until pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and halved cherry tomatoes. Remove the pot from heat as soon as the cheese melts completely.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the dish into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free as indicated.
- Adjust the chili powder and red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- Make sure to stir frequently when simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For a creamier texture, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of milk when stirring in the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
