Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Hamburger Helper is an American classic, loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Hamburger Helper is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and satisfying dinner that won’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll show you how to make Hamburger Helper step-by-step with relaxed and easy-to-follow instructions.

First things first, let’s talk about the ingredients. Hamburger Helper is made with ground beef, pasta, and a sauce mix that typically includes spices and dried herbs. You can use any type of pasta that you have on hand, but elbow macaroni is the classic choice. You’ll also need a few basic pantry staples like butter, milk, and water. Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!

The Basic Ingredients for Hamburger Helper

Hamburger Helper is an easy and budget-friendly meal that you can prepare in minutes. You will love the simplicity of the recipe without compromising on flavor. In this section, we will discuss the basic ingredients that you need to make a delicious Hamburger Helper that your family will enjoy.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the primary ingredient for Hamburger Helper. You can use any percentage of fat, but it is recommended to use 80/20 or 85/15 for a more juicy and flavorful dish. You will need to brown the beef before adding it to your Hamburger Helper. It is best to use a non-stick pan to avoid sticking and burning. Add a little salt and pepper to the beef while it cooks for extra flavor.

Pasta

The next essential ingredient for Hamburger Helper is pasta. You can use any type of pasta, but macaroni is the most popular choice. You will need to cook the pasta according to package directions and set it aside until needed. Be sure to rinse it with cold water to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Aromatics

Aromatics, such as onion and garlic, are crucial in adding depth and flavor to your Hamburger Helper. You will need to chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to the same pan where you cooked the beef, and sauté until fragrant. You can also add diced bell peppers or carrots for an extra nutritional boost.

Beef Broth

Beef broth is essential for providing that savory and salty flavor to your Hamburger Helper. You will need to add the broth to the pan with the browned beef and aromatics. Add enough broth to cover the mixture and bring it to a boil. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth as an alternative.

Milk or Cream

Milk or cream is added to the Hamburger Helper to create a creamy and rich sauce. You can use any type of milk, but whole milk or heavy cream is recommended for a more decadent dish. Add the milk or cream to the pan and stir until combined with the beef broth.

Cheese

Cheese is an essential ingredient in Hamburger Helper, adding a salty and tangy flavor to the dish. You can use any type of cheese, but cheddar or mozzarella are the most popular choices. You will need to shred the cheese and add it to the pan, stirring until melted and combined with the sauce.

Seasonings

Seasonings, such as paprika, Italian seasoning, or chili powder, can be added to enhance the flavor of your Hamburger Helper. Be sure to add these seasonings sparingly, starting with a small amount and adjusting based on your taste preferences. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it out.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used as a thickener for the sauce. You will need to dissolve cornstarch in cold water and add it to the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This step is optional, but it helps the sauce achieve a silky texture.

Optional Ingredients

You can add other ingredients to your Hamburger Helper, depending on your taste and nutritional preferences. Some popular optional ingredients include canned tomatoes, frozen vegetables, or even beans for a more hearty and filling meal.

Final Steps

Once you have all the ingredients for your Hamburger Helper, it’s time to combine everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the beef and sauce mixture, stirring until everything is combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and easy homemade Hamburger Helper!

Ingredients for Making Hamburger Helper

To make a delicious Hamburger Helper, you will need a few essential ingredients that can be easily found in most grocery stores. Here is a list of the ingredients that you will need to make a classic Hamburger Helper dish:

1. Ground Beef
A good Hamburger Helper recipe requires around 1 pound of ground beef. Choose ground beef with a higher fat percentage, such as 80/20, to ensure that your Hamburger Helper remains moist and flavourful.

2. Elbow Macaroni
Elbow macaroni is an essential ingredient in Hamburger Helper. You need to use 8 ounces of elbow macaroni for a classic Hamburger Helper recipe, but you can adjust the quantity depending on your preference.

3. Onion and Garlic
The combination of onion and garlic can add beautiful flavour to your Hamburger Helper dish. Chop a small onion and a few cloves of garlic to use in your recipe.

4. Milk
To give your Hamburger Helper its creamy texture, you will need to add 2 cups of milk.

5. Beef Broth
Beef broth is added to Hamburger Helper to provide flavour and make the dish even more delicious. Use 2 cups of beef broth to make a delicious Hamburger Helper.

6. Butter
Using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter can make your Hamburger Helper richer and flavourful.

7. Salt and Pepper
Use salt and pepper to season your Hamburger Helper according to your preferences.

8. Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is the star ingredient that gives Hamburger Helper its iconic cheesy flavour. You will need around 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to make your Hamburger Helper taste delicious.

9. Green Peppers
Green peppers are a great way to add some colour and flavour to your Hamburger Helper dish. Chop some green peppers into small pieces and add them to your recipe.

10. Canned Tomato Sauce
Add some canned tomato sauce to your Hamburger Helper to give it a delicious, tangy flavour. Use 1 can of tomato sauce for a classic Hamburger Helper recipe.

In conclusion, by gathering these simple ingredients, you can make an amazing Hamburger Helper dish. Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the next step, which is preparation.

Ingredients needed for Hamburger Helper

Making delicious Hamburger Helper is all about getting the right ingredients in the right amounts. You’ll need a few basic pantry staples and some fresh ingredients to whip up a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:

1. Ground Beef

Start with one pound of lean ground beef. You can also substitute it with turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian version. Brown it in a pan over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as you go until it’s no longer pink.

2. Pasta

The pasta is the foundation of the meal. You can use elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it and set it aside until you’re ready to add it to the beef mixture.

3. Spices and Herbs

To add flavor to your Hamburger Helper, you’ll want to have some spices and herbs on hand. Some of the commonly used ones are onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

4. Broth or Water

You’ll need a liquid to cook the pasta in. You can use either chicken or beef broth or just plain water. It’s up to you. If you use broth, it will add more flavor to the dish.

5. Cheese

The finishing touch is a sprinkle of cheese on top. Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but feel free to use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination of cheeses can also work well.

Now that you have all the ingredients prepped, let’s move on to the next step: cooking the Hamburger Helper.

Thanks for reading!

I hope that this article helps you make a delicious meal for yourself or your family. Hamburger Helper is a great option when you’re short on time and need to get dinner on the table. If you ever need inspiration for your meals, come back and visit us again. We’ll be sure to have more tips and tricks to help you in the kitchen. Until then, happy cooking!