Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Homemade one-pot hamburger helper is one of the easiest comforting family meals that you can make in just 30 minutes! Flavorful ground beef cooked with cheesy and creamy macaroni, this dinner is much better than the boxed version!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 85-90% lean
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 and ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 and ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Stovetop Directions
- In a large pot, over medium-high heat, brown the beef breaking it up as you go until it's all brown and no longer pink (about 3 minutes). Drain off any excess fat.
- To the ground beef, add tomato paste, mustard, and seasonings (chili powder, paprika, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper). Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the broth, followed by the macaroni pasta. Stir so that the pasta is completely submerged under the broth.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low so it simmers gently. Cook for 8-10 minutes uncovered stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked but still firm, and the sauce is reduced and thickened.
- Remove from heat, and stir in the sour cream with the cheese and serve.
Instant Pot Directions
- Press on the SAUTE button, and brown the beef breaking it up as you go until it's all brown and no longer pink (about 3 minutes). Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and seasonings and mix everything with the ground beef. Switch off the SAUTE setting.
- Add the pasta over the ground beef, cover with the beef/chicken broth, and with a spatula push the pasta in the liquid so it's all covered.
- Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and set the valve on a SEALING position. Press on PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL on high for 4 minutes.
- Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, and cook. Once the cooking has finished, quickly release the steam.
- Give the pasta a quick stir, then stir in the sour cream and cheese until the cheese has melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe serves 4-6 portions depending on portion size.
- Use a pot or a large dutch oven to make this recipe. A skillet or a pan isn't suitable.
- Use any type of short pasta. I prefer elbow macaroni, but penne or fusilli will work well here too.
- The brand and type of pasta that you use can be different and may need more liquid. So if it seems like you need to add more liquid as you cook, add about half of warm liquid.
- Feel free to add vegetables to this recipe to make it healthier. I recommend adding yellow onion, carrot, and celery.
- Ground beef can be substituted with other ground meats such as turkey.
- To give more flavor to the dish, add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (Frank's or Tabasco). It won't make your dish spicy, just flavorful. Always taste your food, and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Sour cream can be substituted with plain yogurt.
- Use a mix of cheeses or just cheddar. I like to use sharp or extra sharp cheddar with a small amount of mozzarella, and Colby jack also tastes amazing here!
- Buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself, it tastes and melts much better than the pre-shredded stuff.
Nutrition
Calories: 547kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 1697mg | Potassium: 745mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 985IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 369mg | Iron: 4mg
Find it online: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/homemade-hamburger-helper/