Hamburger Helper

5 from 1 vote

Hamburger Helper is an easy stovetop dinner that the whole family will love. This homemade spin on the classic takes comfort food to a new level.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 670kcal

1 pound elbow macaroni cooked to package instructions using the low end of the cooking time range (453.59 grams)
1 pound ground beef 80/20 fat content (453.59 grams)
1 medium yellow onion
2 garlic cloves minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt if you only have table salt, start with half the amount called for
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup milk (236.59 grams)
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded (226 grams)

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. See my tips above for perfectly cooked pasta.
1 pound elbow macaroni
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef breaking it up. Once the beef has just begun to brown, add in the onion and garlic cloves. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. (No need to drain off the grease from the beef.)
1 pound ground beef, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Add in the tomato paste and then whisk in the flour.
2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons flour
Slowly whisk in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. I like to add just a little bit at a time to make sure it is absorbed into the dish before adding more. The more you add, the more quickly you can add the rest. This whole process shouldn't take more than a minute or two. Stir in the milk and let the dish simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, being sure to scrape up what is at the bottom of the pan.
1 cup milk, 1 cup beef stock
Add the cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the dish. Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper as needed.
2 cups cheddar cheese
Stir in the cooked pasta, serve and enjoy.