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Best Homemade Hamburger Helper

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In the whirlwind of modern life, where time often seems to slip through our fingers, there’s something deeply reassuring about returning to the simple comforts of home. For us, one such comfort comes in the form of a steaming pot of Homemade Hamburger Helper. This timeless dish, with its hearty blend of ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, has long held a cherished place in our recipe repertoire.

What’s our secret to ensuring we always have a comforting meal at hand? Well, it’s no secret at all – we double the recipe. Doubling up on Homemade Hamburger Helper not only streamlines our cooking process but also provides us with ample leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. From quick lunches to satisfying dinners on busy evenings, having a stash of this savory dish in the fridge is a game-changer.

But it’s not just about convenience – doubling the recipe allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious dish with each passing day. There’s something truly magical about how the rich flavors of the beef, the warmth of the spices, and the creaminess of the sauce intensify over time, creating a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.

And let’s not forget the versatility of Homemade Hamburger Helper. Whether served as a standalone meal or used as a filling for baked pasta dishes, its adaptability knows no bounds. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly bridges the gap between comfort food and culinary creativity, making it a perennial favorite in our household.

So the next time you find yourself craving a taste of home, consider whipping up a double batch of Homemade Hamburger Helper. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen too. After all, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a homemade meal to nourish both body and soul.

Best Homemade Hamburger Helper
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Best Homemade Hamburger Helper

Recipe by cookfamilykitchen
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta (Keep in mind 8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta.)

  • ½ cup cottage cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  • In a large sauté pan with a lid, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Once cooked, set aside the ground beef, keeping at least 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Next, sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a boil.
  • In a food processor, incorporate the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta, mixing well to combine. Pour into pan with beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with the lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Finally, add the cheese and mix well. (Note: it may be easier to add and mix the cheese before combining with the noodles and beef)
  • Serve your delicious homemade Hamburger Helper immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • (Note: it may be easier to add and mix the cheese before combining with the noodles and beef)
  • serve while warm 🙂