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Homemade Hamburger Helper

A comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that brings back nostalgic memories of childhood dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Skillet

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Meat

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef

Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Step 1: In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Step 3: Stir in the elbow macaroni, milk, 2 cups of water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Step 5: Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of paprika or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add frozen peas or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.