Homemade Hamburger Helper – Cheeseburger Helper

Hamburger Helper is a packaged food product that includes pasta with a powdered sauce. The pasta is cooked with ground beef, milk and water. I know…it’s processed and not good for you, but when I was younger, I loved to eat it. However, nowadays, I rather skip the processed junk if I could make it from scratch and this recipe is just as easy as making it from the box. Everything is made in one-pot, under 25 minutes, and super yummy to eat! You can even add some other ingredients to make it more nutritious, like a high fibre pasta, fresh tomatoes, kale, and carrots.

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Homemade Hamburger Helper - Cheeseburger Helper Serves 6 Ingredients: 1lb ground beef 1 tablespoon oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1 tablespoon flour 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup 1 teaspoon mustard 2 cups milk 1 cup water 1 1/2 cup dry uncooked macaroni (or any other pasta) salt and pepper to taste 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese garnish with green onions or chives or parsley

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onions and saute till soft for 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Turn up the heat to medium-high.

4. Next add the garlic and the ground beef. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Stir and break up the ground beef.

6. Brown until cooked through and no longer pink.

7. Stir in the paprika, flour, sugar, red pepper flakes, tomato paste/ketchup, and mustard.

8. Pour in the milk and water and stir.

9. Next stir in the macaroni

10. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low.

11. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente.

12. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

13. Turn off the heat and add the cheese.

14. Stir to combine.

15. Plate and garnish if desired. Serve immediately.

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