Description
This classic Hamburger Helper recipe is a comforting one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef simmered with tomato paste and spices, combined with tender elbow macaroni, and finished with melted cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons heaping tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onion: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Remove excess fat by spooning it out as needed.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the heaping tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated with the flavorful tomato and spices.
- Add broth and macaroni: Pour the beef broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the dry elbow macaroni and reduce the heat to maintain a strong simmer, avoiding a vigorous boil.
- Simmer the pasta: Cook uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb most of the broth and become tender. If the liquid gets too low before the pasta is cooked, add a bit more beef broth as needed.
- Add cheese and season: Turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Let the pot sit for a minute or two to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Scoop the cheesy hamburger pasta into bowls and enjoy hot for the ultimate comforting meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat.
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; add more chili powder for spiciness.
- If the mixture gets too thick while sitting, stir in a splash of beef broth or water before serving.
- This dish can be customized by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions if desired.
