Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is one of the most popular reader favorite recipes on Farmgirl Gourmet! And there's a good reason...this comforting meal tastes better than the boxed stuff and it's an incredibly easy one-pot meal recipe!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings Servings

Author Heather

Equipment

Large Skillet

Ingredients

cooking spray or olive oil
1 lb ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
¾ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
2 ½ cups milk
1 ½ cups water
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray or a teaspoon of oil. Add ground beef and brown until cooked through and no longer pink. Discard any accumulated fat.
Add the pasta, cornstarch, chili powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes and stir well to combine.
Add the milk and water and stir well. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer. Cover and cook 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Add more water or milk, if necessary.
Remove from the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until combined. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

What to serve with homemade hamburger helper

No Knead Bread
Spring Salad with Strawberries & Bacon
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Soft Ginger Cookies
Kale Salad with Garlic Tarragon Dressing

Tips for Storing

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Sauce may thicken over time.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and thinning with a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Freezing is not recommended as the pasta become overly soft and the sauce can separate after thawing.

Nutrition