Oh, the nostalgia of Hamburger Helper—it’s like a comforting hug from childhood dinners, but reinvented for today’s kitchen adventures. Imagine the sizzle of ground beef, mingling with a creamy, cheesy sauce that wraps around pasta like a warm blanket. It’s a dish that whispers “home” with every bite, yet its simplicity makes it a go-to for weeknight cravings—perfect for when you need a quick escape from life’s chaos or just want to relive those simpler times.
Steps
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned, roughly 7-10 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Incorporate the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder into the beef mixture, stirring well to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth and turn the heat to high. Once the mixture reaches a boil, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot.
- Lower the heat to maintain a rapid simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 13-15 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, grate the cheddar cheese. Once the pasta is ready, remove the pot from the heat and mix in the cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to enhance the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of extra lean ground beef
- 1/2 of a medium Vidalia (sweet) onion, chopped
- 2 heaping tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2004kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 176g | Fat: 100g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Cholesterol: 520mg | Sodium: 4424mg | Potassium: 2496mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2560IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 1748mg | Iron: 16mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer. The recipe will still be delicious with these alternatives.
- What can I do if the pasta is absorbing too much liquid during cooking?
- If you find the pasta is soaking up too much liquid and there’s still cooking time left, simply add more liquid, such as beef broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until the pasta is cooked through.
- How should I store leftovers, and can they be frozen?
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. However, freezing is not recommended as the pasta may lose its texture once thawed.
- Can I customize the seasonings in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can increase the chili powder, add hot sauce, or include additional spices like crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
- Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach or finely chopped bell peppers. Just incorporate them towards the end of the cooking time to allow them to cook through without overcooking.
Tips
- If you notice the liquid evaporating too quickly while cooking, add extra beef broth in 1/2 cup increments to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks properly.
- Consider grating the cheddar cheese while the pasta is simmering to streamline preparation and save time.
- Customize the flavor by adjusting the seasonings to your preference, such as adding extra chili powder, garlic, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- For a nutritional boost, incorporate vegetables like spinach or finely chopped bell peppers towards the end of cooking until they’re just wilted or softened.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – For browning the beef and cooking the entire dish in one pot.
- Cheese Grater – To freshly grate cheddar cheese.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients while cooking.
