There is something incredibly nostalgic about Hamburger Helper. For many, it was a childhood staple, a quick and easy meal that came together in minutes. However, the store-bought version often contains preservatives and artificial ingredients that might not align with a home-cooked, wholesome diet. That is where this homemade version comes in.
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Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Comforting, One-Pan Meal for Beginners
Creamy, tangy baked feta meets roasted broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta in this easy, flavor-packed dish! A beginner-friendly meal that’s both comforting and wholesome! 🥦🧀🍝✨
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ¾ pound 93% lean ground beef (or substitute ground chicken for a leaner option)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup tomato sauce (or substitute with tomato passata or puree)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup 2% milk (or dairy-free milk if needed)
- 8 ounces dry pasta (cavatappi, rotini, elbows, small shells, or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 cup part-skim sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese as needed)
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Options: If ground beef is not available, ground chicken or turkey works well.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use unsweetened dairy-free milk and a plant-based cheese alternative like Violife.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Choose a gluten-free pasta and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
- Extra Creamy Texture: For a more macaroni-and-cheese-like experience, increase the amount of cheddar cheese.
- Cheeseburger Twist: Add chopped tomatoes, onions, and pickles for extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Ground Beef
Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and paprika. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the meat into small crumbles while it cooks. Stir occasionally, allowing it to brown evenly, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. If using ground chicken, the cooking time may be slightly less since it tends to cook faster.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish, as the onions and garlic infuse the meat with a rich aroma.
Step 3: Adding the Tomato Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce, stirring everything together. Let the mixture cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly. This step intensifies the flavor, creating a deeper, richer taste.
Step 4: Cooking the Pasta in the Skillet
Add the chicken broth and dry pasta to the skillet. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.
Allow the pasta to cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The liquid should be mostly absorbed by the pasta, which will become tender during this process. If using gluten-free pasta, check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier, as it may cook faster.
Step 5: Adding the Milk and Finishing the Cooking Process
Once the pasta is nearly cooked, uncover the skillet and pour in the milk. Stir well and continue cooking over medium-low heat, covering the skillet again. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step allows the dish to develop a creamy texture as the pasta absorbs the remaining liquid. Let it cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
Step 6: Stirring in the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and uncover it. Immediately add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the pasta, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. The residual heat will help the cheese blend evenly throughout the dish.
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so test for doneness by tasting a piece before proceeding to the next step.
- How to Tell if the Beef is Cooked Through: The beef should no longer be pink, and any liquid in the pan should run clear. If using ground chicken, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Preventing the Skillet from Burning: If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add a small splash of broth or water and reduce the heat slightly.
- Cheese Melting Tip: For the best creamy texture, add the cheese off the heat and stir until melted. Adding cheese over high heat can cause it to become grainy.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
This recipe is designed for beginners who want to create a delicious, comforting meal without the need for extensive cooking experience. It is made with real ingredients, all in one skillet, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights. It requires minimal prep, basic kitchen tools, and simple techniques that even those new to cooking can master.
The best part of this dish is its versatility. It allows for ingredient substitutions to meet dietary needs or preferences while still delivering a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or meal-prepping for the week, this homemade hamburger helper is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before beginning, gather all the ingredients to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Ingredients
- ¾ pound 93% lean ground beef (or substitute ground chicken for a leaner option)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup tomato sauce (or substitute with tomato passata or puree)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup 2% milk (or dairy-free milk if needed)
- 8 ounces dry pasta (cavatappi, rotini, elbows, small shells, or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 cup part-skim sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese as needed)
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Options: If ground beef is not available, ground chicken or turkey works well.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use unsweetened dairy-free milk and a plant-based cheese alternative like Violife.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Choose a gluten-free pasta and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
- Extra Creamy Texture: For a more macaroni-and-cheese-like experience, increase the amount of cheddar cheese.
- Cheeseburger Twist: Add chopped tomatoes, onions, and pickles for extra flavor.
Having all ingredients measured and prepared before cooking ensures a smooth process. Chopping the onion and garlic beforehand helps keep the cooking time minimal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Ground Beef
Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and paprika. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the meat into small crumbles while it cooks. Stir occasionally, allowing it to brown evenly, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. If using ground chicken, the cooking time may be slightly less since it tends to cook faster.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish, as the onions and garlic infuse the meat with a rich aroma.
Step 3: Adding the Tomato Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce, stirring everything together. Let the mixture cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly. This step intensifies the flavor, creating a deeper, richer taste.
Step 4: Cooking the Pasta in the Skillet
Add the chicken broth and dry pasta to the skillet. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.
Allow the pasta to cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The liquid should be mostly absorbed by the pasta, which will become tender during this process. If using gluten-free pasta, check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier, as it may cook faster.
Step 5: Adding the Milk and Finishing the Cooking Process
Once the pasta is nearly cooked, uncover the skillet and pour in the milk. Stir well and continue cooking over medium-low heat, covering the skillet again. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step allows the dish to develop a creamy texture as the pasta absorbs the remaining liquid. Let it cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
Step 6: Stirring in the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and uncover it. Immediately add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the pasta, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. The residual heat will help the cheese blend evenly throughout the dish.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so test for doneness by tasting a piece before proceeding to the next step.
- How to Tell if the Beef is Cooked Through: The beef should no longer be pink, and any liquid in the pan should run clear. If using ground chicken, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Preventing the Skillet from Burning: If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add a small splash of broth or water and reduce the heat slightly.
- Cheese Melting Tip: For the best creamy texture, add the cheese off the heat and stir until melted. Adding cheese over high heat can cause it to become grainy.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade hamburger helper is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition.
- Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the dish well.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
- Pickles and Onions: For a cheeseburger-style twist, top each serving with finely chopped pickles and onions.
If making this dish ahead of time, portioning it into meal-prep containers with a side of vegetables makes for a convenient grab-and-go lunch option.
Engagement Features
This recipe is designed for beginners, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build confidence in the kitchen. Cooking should feel approachable and rewarding, and this dish is a great way to experience success with minimal effort.
If you try this homemade hamburger helper, share your experience. What ingredient swaps did you make? Did you add any personal twists? Leave a comment with your thoughts or any questions you have.
Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, making each meal more nutritious and satisfying. Whether you are a beginner cook or just looking for an easy, one-skillet meal, this homemade hamburger helper is a recipe worth keeping in your rotation.