Description
This classic Hamburger Helper recipe is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and tender macaroni pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound 93/7 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Dairy and Pantry
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or hot water (preferably a combination of beef and chicken stock)
- 1½ cups milk
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 8 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
Garnish
- Minced fresh parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a colander set over a bowl to drain off excess fat.
- Add the spices: Return the drained beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the butter and cook, stirring constantly, until melted, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until fully combined with the mixture, cooking for about 1 more minute to form a roux.
- Add remaining ingredients: Slowly pour in the beef and/or chicken stock along with the milk, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni pasta and cook, stirring constantly, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, approximately 6 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Serve immediately, garnished with minced fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a combination of beef and chicken stock for richer flavor, or substitute with hot water if needed.
- Stir constantly while cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and reduce butter or substitute with a lighter alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Optional: Add vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American