Whip up a comforting weeknight dinner with this Simple Hamburger Helper, a one-pan wonder that delivers hearty, homemade flavor in just 35 minutes. Featuring tender ground beef, savory spices like paprika and chili powder, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni simmered in rich beef broth, this dish comes together effortlessly. A splash of milk and a generous helping of melted cheddar cheese create a creamy, velvety sauce that coats every bite. With pantry staples like tomato paste, onions, and garlic, this recipe is a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought boxed mixes, perfect for feeding a hungry family of six. Serve this quick and delicious meal straight from the skillet for a satisfying, no-fuss dinner everyone will love!
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the beef mixture.
Add the elbow macaroni, beef broth, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Stir the skillet occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Hamburger Helper!
Calories |
2898 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.5 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 74.8 g | 374% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 525 mg | 175% | |
| Sodium | 7490 mg | 326% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.4 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.5 g | ||
| Protein | 170.7 g | 341% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1691 mg | 130% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 2667 mg | 57% | |
*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.