Skip the boxed meal and make this do-it-yourself wholesome hamburger helper as a substitute. It’s a one pot meal that’s prepared in underneath half-hour for a simple weeknight dinner that the entire household will love.
I’ve shared this earlier than, however rising up I ate loads of packaged meals and quick meals. Considered one of my all-time favourite meals to eat as a child was Hamburger Helper.
Since having youngsters of my very own, there are particular nostalgic recipes that I need to share with them. That stated, I don’t love the concept of serving my kiddos the boxed meal I grew up consuming, so I got down to make a do-it-yourself, wholesome Hamburger Helper with no synthetic preservatives or components.
It took me making this recipe a number of occasions to get the consistency and taste good, however as soon as I did I used to be obsessed! This model is made with easy, real-food elements, nevertheless it nonetheless has all of the creamy, savory goodness I keep in mind loving as a child. The very best half? My youngsters are equally as obsessive about this recipe. Each Olivia and Tucker devoured it up each time I made it, which was fairly a number of occasions whereas testing.
In the event you grew up consuming Hamburger Helper as a child (and even in the event you didn’t) I do know you and your complete household are going to like this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot – Only one pan, simple cleanup, and so satisfying.
- Child-approved – My youngsters went loopy for this, and I really like that it’s made with actual elements.
- Creamy and comforting – With tender pasta, melted cheese, and savory spices, it’s consolation meals at its greatest.
- Simply customizable – Use dairy-free milk, go for lean floor beef, or throw in some veggies to make it your individual!
Components Wanted
- yellow onion and garlic – these add a scrumptious savory depth that’s so significantly better than something from a field.
- floor beef – I like to make use of 85% lean, however you possibly can go leaner in the event you want. Floor turkey works too!
- paprika, oregano and chili powder – these spices give the dish a heat, comforting taste that’s a bit of smoky, a bit of savory.
- tomato paste – provides a wealthy, tomato taste that thickens the sauce.
- low-sodium beef or hen broth – the broth is essential for cooking the pasta and constructing taste. Go for low-sodium to maintain it lighter.
- milk – I take advantage of complete milk for creaminess, however be at liberty to make use of dairy-free milk in the event you’d like!
- macaroni noodles or small shells – traditional selections that prepare dinner proper within the sauce and absorb all that taste.
- gentle cheddar cheese – freshly shredded cheese melts superbly and provides the dish that creamy, comforting texture.
Discover the complete ingredient listing with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions
- Floor beef – Wish to lighten it up? Swap in floor turkey or hen! And in the event you’re going meatless, crumbled tofu or your favourite plant-based floor “meat” will maintain the feel spot-on.
- Milk – To make it dairy-free, use almond, cashew, or oat milk for that very same creamy vibe. The dish nonetheless seems wealthy and comforting!
- Cheddar cheese – Go dairy-free along with your favourite plant-based cheese, or attempt dietary yeast for a “tacky” taste with out the dairy. You received’t miss a factor!
- Broth – Low-sodium beef or hen broth provides depth, however in the event you’re aiming for a vegetarian model, vegetable broth works like a allure.
The way to Make Wholesome Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Add oil to a big, deep skillet or Dutch oven. As soon as oil is sizzling, add onion and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes till aromatic.
Step 2: Add floor beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook dinner 7-8 minutes till your meat is cooked by means of. Drain fats, if wanted.
Step 4: Stir in dry pasta.
Step 5: Deliver to a delicate boil over medium warmth. Cook dinner about 8-12 minutes, till pasta is al dente and a lot of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Take away from warmth and stir in cheese. Let sit for 1-2 extra minutes till cheese has melted after which toss.
Brittany’s Tip
Go for contemporary cheese! Belief me, freshly shredded cheese is price the additional minute! Pre-shredded cheese can have components that maintain it from melting easily, however in the event you seize a block and grate it your self, you’ll get that gooey, creamy texture that takes this dish to the following stage. Plus, the flavour is unbeatable!
The way to Serve
I really like serving this Wholesome Hamburger Helper straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of contemporary parsley and chives, it’s traditional consolation meals at its greatest! However a number of extras by no means harm. Listed here are some enjoyable choices to make this meal even higher:
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Fridge: Obtained leftovers? Simply pop them in an hermetic container within the fridge the place they’ll keep good for 3-4 days. If you’re able to reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to convey again that creamy goodness.
Freezer: This dish freezes nicely! Let it cool utterly, then switch to a freezer-safe container. It’ll maintain for as much as 3 months. If you’re able to take pleasure in, thaw within the fridge in a single day and reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of milk or broth.
Continuously Requested Questions
Completely! This dish is nice to make prematurely. Simply retailer it within the fridge and reheat when able to serve, including a little bit of milk or broth to get it again to that excellent, creamy consistency.
After all! Be happy to make use of small shells, rotini, and even penne. Simply examine the pasta a bit early to verify it’s cooked al dente.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. If it’s too skinny, let it prepare dinner for a few additional minutes to thicken up. Just a little tweak right here and there, and also you’re all set!
Extra Pasta Recipes
Make sure you try the complete assortment of dinner recipes on EBF!
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