Deliciously Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Rekindle your love for comfort food with this upgraded Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe! Bursting with flavor and packed with protein, this hearty one-dish meal combines savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender elbow macaroni, all brought together with a tantalizing tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it fresh from the skillet for a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1/2 lb (browned and drained)
Elbow Macaroni
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
Frozen Corn
8 ounces (added directly to the skillet)
Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Cream Cheese
1/2 cup (softened)
All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup (added to the meat mixture)
Milk
2 cups (added to the skillet)
Tomato Sauce
14 ounces (added to the skillet)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon (seasoning)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (seasoning)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (seasoning)
Parsley Flakes
1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon (seasoning)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
3
Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour. Stir well to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the seasonings.
4
Next, pour in the milk and add the tomato sauce along with the frozen corn. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined, then bring it to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Remove the lid and gently fold in the cooked elbow macaroni, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the cheesy sauce and the cheeses are melted and creamy.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley flakes if desired. Enjoy your hearty homemade dish!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
40g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deliciously Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper?
It is an upgraded comfort food recipe that combines savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender elbow macaroni in a tangy tomato sauce.
How much ground beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of ground beef, which should be browned and drained.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions.
How much milk should I use?
You will need 2 cups of milk to add to the skillet mixture.
What kind of cheeses are used in this recipe?
This dish uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese.
Is there a specific vegetable included in this hamburger helper?
Yes, the recipe includes 8 ounces of frozen corn, which is added directly to the skillet.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This recipe provides 21g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 14g of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What seasonings are used for the beef?
The beef is seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Why is all-purpose flour added to the meat?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is stirred into the meat to help thicken the sauce.
What size of tomato sauce container is required?
You will need a 14-ounce container of tomato sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the skillet?
You should stir the mixture frequently while bringing it to a boil to prevent sticking.
How long should the mixture simmer?
Once the heat is reduced, cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
When do I add the cooked macaroni?
The cooked elbow macaroni is folded into the skillet after the sauce has simmered and the lid is removed.
What is the final garnish for this dish?
You can garnish the dish with 1 tablespoon of parsley flakes if desired.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
Cook it in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente, then drain it.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 20-minute meal and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for frozen corn, fresh corn can be substituted if you adjust cooking times accordingly.
What heat setting should I use to brown the beef?
Use a large skillet over medium-high heat to brown the ground beef.
Should the cream cheese be cold when added?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it melts easily and creates a creamy sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a family-friendly dish?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as family-friendly and is a popular comfort food for all ages.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef before adding seasonings.
What is the recommended salt type?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, once the pasta is cooked, the rest of the meal is brought together in a single skillet.
When should I serve the dish?
It should be served immediately while the pasta is coated in the fresh, melty cheese sauce.
What texture should the pasta be?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, meaning firm to the bite.