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Hamburger Helper

Hamburger Helper
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This easy Hamburger Helper recipe offers a fast, comforting, and customizable one-pan meal combining ground beef or turkey, pasta, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and adaptable to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, including vegetarian and spicy variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or pasta shells

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes

Cheese

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Liquids

  • 2 to 2 ½ cups beef broth or water

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano, thyme mix)

Optional Vegetables

  • ½ cup chopped bell peppers
  • ½ cup peas

Optional for variations

  • Jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce for spice
  • Cream cheese or Parmesan for extra creaminess
  • Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added veggies

Instructions

  1. Cook the meat and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef or preferred protein. When the meat is about halfway cooked, add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the meat is fully browned and aromatics are softened, building a flavorful base.
  2. Add pasta and liquids: Pour in 2 cups of elbow macaroni or pasta shells along with 2 to 2 ½ cups beef broth or water, and 1 cup of tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged for even cooking.
  3. Simmer until pasta is tender: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let the pasta cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10 to 12 minutes or until al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  4. Stir in cheese and optional vegetables: Add 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese along with any optional chopped vegetables like bell peppers or peas. Stir until the cheese melts and the vegetables soften, creating a creamy, rich finish.
  5. Final seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, or Italian herbs as needed. Serve immediately with garnishes such as chopped parsley, green onions, or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and smoother sauce texture.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm to avoid mushiness after cheese addition.
  • Brown the meat thoroughly to develop deeper, caramelized flavors.
  • Use broth instead of water to enhance the sauce’s savory depth.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by stirring in cream or milk if it feels too thick or dry before adding cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hamburger Helper, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, one-pot meal, easy pasta dish, family-friendly meal, comforting dinner

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/hamburger-helper/