Skip the boxed meal and make this selfmade wholesome hamburger helper as an alternative. It’s a one pot meal that’s prepared in below half-hour for a straightforward weeknight dinner that the entire household will love.
I’ve shared this earlier than, however rising up I ate numerous packaged meals and quick meals. One in every of my all-time favourite meals to eat as a child was Hamburger Helper.
Since having children of my very own, there are particular nostalgic recipes that I need to share with them. That mentioned, I don’t love the thought of serving my kiddos the boxed meal I grew up consuming, so I got down to make a selfmade, wholesome Hamburger Helper with no synthetic preservatives or components.
It took me making this recipe a couple of instances to get the consistency and taste excellent, however as soon as I did I used to be obsessed! This model is made with easy, real-food substances, but it surely nonetheless has all of the creamy, savory goodness I bear in mind loving as a child. The very best half? My children are equally as obsessive about this recipe. Each Olivia and Tucker wolfed it up each time I made it, which was fairly a couple of instances whereas testing.
If you happen to 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, straightforward cleanup, and so satisfying.
- Child-approved – My children went loopy for this, and I really like that it’s made with actual substances.
- 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 personal!
Components Wanted
- yellow onion and garlic – these add a scrumptious savory depth that’s so a lot better than something from a field.
- floor beef – I like to make use of 85% lean, however you’ll be able to go leaner in the event you choose. Floor turkey works too!
- paprika, oregano and chili powder – these spices give the dish a heat, comforting taste that’s just a little smoky, just a little savory.
- tomato paste – provides a wealthy, tomato taste that thickens the sauce.
- low-sodium beef or hen broth – the broth is vital for cooking the pasta and constructing taste. Go for low-sodium to maintain it lighter.
- milk – I exploit complete milk for creaminess, however be happy to make use of dairy-free milk in the event you’d like!
- macaroni noodles or small shells – basic decisions that prepare dinner proper within the sauce and take in all that taste.
- gentle cheddar cheese – freshly shredded cheese melts fantastically and provides the dish that creamy, comforting texture.
Discover the total ingredient listing with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions
- Floor beef – Need 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 hold 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 appeal.
Tips on how 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. Prepare dinner 7-8 minutes till your meat is cooked via. Drain fats, if wanted.
Step 4: Stir in dry pasta.
Step 5: Convey to a delicate boil over medium warmth. Prepare 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 value the additional minute! Pre-shredded cheese can have components that hold 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 subsequent stage. Plus, the flavour is unbeatable!
Tips on how to Serve
I really like serving this Wholesome Hamburger Helper straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of contemporary parsley and chives, it’s basic consolation meals at its greatest! However a couple of extras by no means damage. Listed here are some enjoyable choices to make this meal even higher:
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Fridge: Acquired leftovers? Simply pop them in an hermetic container within the fridge the place they’ll keep good for 3-4 days. Whenever you’re able to reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to deliver again that creamy goodness.
Freezer: This dish freezes effectively! Let it cool utterly, then switch to a freezer-safe container. It’ll hold for as much as 3 months. Whenever you’re able to get pleasure from, thaw within the fridge in a single day and reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of milk or broth.
Often 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 good, 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 further minutes to thicken up. A bit tweak right here and there, and also you’re all set!
Extra Pasta Recipes
You’ll want to try the total assortment of dinner recipes on EBF!
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