Go Back
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni - 3 cups beef broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make homemade Hamburger Helper, you need a mix of simple ingredients. Choose either ground beef or turkey for your base. I often opt for turkey to keep it lean. The onion and garlic add a wonderful depth of flavor. Don’t skip chopping them finely; it helps them cook evenly. For the pasta, elbow macaroni works best, but feel free to use any short pasta you like. The beef broth and diced tomatoes bring moisture and taste. They meld together during cooking, creating a rich sauce. Seasonings are key in this dish. Paprika and oregano add warmth and zest. Black pepper and salt balance everything. Olive oil is important for sautéing the onions and meat. Finally, don’t forget the cheese! Cheddar gives that creamy finish that makes this dish truly comforting. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This not only looks great but also adds a pop of flavor. With these ingredients, you can create a quick, tasty meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start your skillet on medium heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, toss in one small, finely chopped onion. Sauté for three to four minutes. This step makes the onion soft and sweet. Next, add three minced garlic cloves. Stir them in for about one minute. The smell will be amazing! Now, it’s time for the meat. Add one pound of ground beef or turkey. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat until there is no pink left. This should take about five to seven minutes. If there is extra grease, drain it off. After the meat is cooked, add flavor. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of paprika, one teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and half a teaspoon of salt. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices. Now, pour in one cup of uncooked elbow macaroni. Then, add three cups of beef broth and one cup of diced tomatoes. Mix everything in the pan well. This is where the magic starts! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want the macaroni to be tender and soak up most of the liquid. When the pasta is ready, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt perfectly. Once the cheese is melted, stir it into the pasta mix. This makes it creamy and cheesy. Serve your dish hot. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. It adds color and flavor! - To ensure perfect pasta texture, cook elbow macaroni until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. - Prevent sticking in the skillet by stirring often. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. - Adding more spices can really boost the taste. Try red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a kick. - Using different cheese options can change the flavor profile. Mozzarella or pepper jack adds a fun twist. - For leaner meat choices, use ground turkey instead of beef. It’s lower in fat but still tasty. - Vegetable substitutions can add nutrition. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and flavor. Pro Tips Choose Your Protein: Ground turkey is a great low-fat alternative to ground beef, offering a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on the classic cheesy flavor. Add Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach to enhance nutrition and add more color to your dish. Make Ahead: This dish can be made in advance and reheated, making it a perfect option for meal prep or busy weeknights. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This makes the dish leaner and lighter. Both options still give great flavor. If you want a vegetarian or vegan dish, use plant-based meat or beans. Lentils also work well. They add protein and fiber. You can use mushrooms for extra texture and taste. These swaps keep your meal tasty while meeting different diets. Try using whole grain macaroni for a healthier choice. Whole grain adds more fiber and nutrients. If you prefer a different cheese, use mozzarella or pepper jack. This can change the taste and make it fun. You can also use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. These swaps let you enjoy the dish your way. Want some heat? Add jalapeños for a spicy kick. This adds a great flavor boost. You can also stir in some cream to make the dish rich and creamy. This gives it a nice texture and taste. Feel free to experiment with spices, too! Adding chili powder or cumin can change the whole dish. Each of these ideas helps you make the meal your own. To store your homemade hamburger helper, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to reheat, use the stove or microwave. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. For longer storage, you can freeze your hamburger helper. Use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth to help with moisture. Enjoy your meal without losing flavor or texture! Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. For the macaroni, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free elbow macaroni made from rice, corn, or quinoa. These options work well and taste great. You can easily adjust the serving size. To scale up, just double the ingredients. For fewer servings, cut the amounts in half. Keep the same cooking time, but check for doneness a bit earlier for smaller portions. Homemade Hamburger Helper pairs well with many side dishes. Try a fresh green salad for crunch. Steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients. Garlic bread is a classic side that complements this dish nicely. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Homemade Hamburger Helper. We discussed the essential ingredients and steps to cook your meal. You learned helpful tips for perfecting your dish, along with various healthy options and flavor enhancements. With these ideas, you can customize your recipe to suit any taste. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity! Try out these suggestions and enjoy your delicious creation. Happy cooking!

Savory One-Pan Cheesy Hamburger Helper

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring ground beef, macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Once the meat is cooked, drain excess grease if necessary. Stir in the paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
  • Pour in the uncooked macaroni, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything in the pan.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cook until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
  • Stir the melted cheese into the pasta mixture until well combined.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Keyword cheesy pasta, hamburger helper, one-pan meal