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Homemade Hamburger Helper with elbow macaroni and ground beef in a skillet, garnished with chives.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Avatar photoRhonda Cawthorn
Stir up this quick 30-minute Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe! Cheesy, savory, and so much better than the box. A comforting one-pan meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 526 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 1 3/4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
    Browning ground beef in a skillet for Homemade Hamburger Helper.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are translucent.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    Homemade Hamburger Helper simmering with ground beef in a skillet.
  • Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. If the broth is absorbed but the pasta isn't ready, add more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
    Elbow macaroni and ground beef simmering in a skillet for Homemade Hamburger Helper.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
  • Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives.

Nutrition

Calories: 526kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 45gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 845mgFiber: 2g
Keyword Homemade Hamburger Helper
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