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Creamy Hamburger Helper Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

This easy and comforting Hamburger Helper recipe features ground beef simmered with a blend of spices, tomato paste, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all tossed with tender macaroni pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a perfect weeknight meal that combines rich flavors with a creamy texture for the whole family to enjoy.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 pound 93/7 ground beef

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or hot water (we like a combination of beef and chicken stock)
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 8 ounces macaroni pasta
  • 8 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
  • Minced fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a colander set over a bowl to drain off the excess fat.
  2. Add the spices: Return the drained beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, sugar, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Add the salted butter and cook while stirring until melted, about 1 minute. Then stir in the flour thoroughly to combine, cooking for an additional minute to form a roux.
  3. Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the beef stock (or combination of beef and chicken stock) and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni pasta and cook, stirring constantly, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 6 minutes.
  4. Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Serve the dish warm, garnished with minced fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute the macaroni for any short pasta shape like penne or shells.
  • For a richer flavor, use a mix of beef and chicken stock as suggested, or all beef stock.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and chili powder, if you prefer more or less heat.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cheese.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/creamy-hamburger-helper-recipe/