Hamburger Helper Substitute
Skip the boxed mix and upgrade your dinner game with this hearty and homemade Hamburger Helper Substitute. Packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this one-pan wonder is the ultimate comfort food made from scratch. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of paprika for a burst of flavor, this easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples like milk, beef broth, and butter to create a creamy, satisfying dish the whole family will love. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and enjoy this budget-friendly, no-fuss meal any night of the week!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Optional chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
In a large skillet or sauté pan, over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir until fully submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. If the mixture seems too thick, you can stir in a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it.
Serve hot, garnished with optional chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3251 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 192.5 g | 247% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.2 g | 506% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 649 mg | 216% | |
| Sodium | 6100 mg | 265% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 203.0 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.3 g | ||
| Protein | 186.1 g | 372% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2330 mg | 179% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2247 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
