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 simple weeknight dinner that the entire household will love.
I’ve shared this earlier than, however rising up I ate lots of packaged meals and quick meals. One among my all-time favourite meals to eat as a child was Hamburger Helper.
Since having youngsters of my very own, there are specific nostalgic recipes that I wish to share with them. That mentioned, I don’t love the concept 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 elements, however 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 couple of instances whereas testing.
For those who grew up consuming Hamburger Helper as a child (and even in the event you didn’t) I do know you and your entire 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 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 personal!
Substances 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 choose. Floor turkey works too!
- paprika, oregano and chili powder – these spices give the dish a heat, comforting taste that’s a bit smoky, a bit 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 exploit entire 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 – basic selections that cook dinner proper within the sauce and absorb all that taste.
- delicate 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 – 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 preserve 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 together with your favourite plant-based cheese, or strive 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.
Learn 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: Carry 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 preserve 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!
Learn how to Serve
I 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 harm. Listed here are some enjoyable choices to make this meal even higher:
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Fridge: Received leftovers? Simply pop them in an hermetic container within the fridge the place they’ll keep good for 3-4 days. While 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 fully, then switch to a freezer-safe container. It’ll preserve for as much as 3 months. While 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.
Steadily Requested Questions
Completely! This dish is nice to make upfront. 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 at liberty 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 cook 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!
For those who loved this recipe, please think about leaving a ⭐ star ranking and let me know the way it went within the 📝 feedback under.
