Skip the boxed meal and make this selfmade wholesome hamburger helper as an alternative. It’s a one pot meal that’s prepared in underneath half-hour for a straightforward 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. Considered one of my all-time favourite meals to eat as a child was Hamburger Helper.
Since having children of my very own, there are specific nostalgic recipes that I need to share with them. That stated, 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 just a few occasions to get the consistency and taste good, however as soon as I did I used to be obsessed! This model is made with easy, real-food components, but it surely nonetheless has all of the creamy, savory goodness I bear in mind loving as a child. The perfect half? My children are equally as obsessive about this recipe. Each Olivia and Tucker devoured it up each time I made it, which was fairly just a few occasions whereas testing.
Should you grew up consuming Hamburger Helper as a child (and even in case 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 children went loopy for this, and I like that it’s made with actual components.
- Creamy and comforting – With tender pasta, melted cheese, and savory spices, it’s consolation meals at its finest.
- Simply customizable – Use dairy-free milk, go for lean floor beef, or throw in some veggies to make it your individual!
Components 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 case you want. 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 entire milk for creaminess, however be happy to make use of dairy-free milk in case you’d like!
- macaroni noodles or small shells – basic decisions that cook dinner proper within the sauce and take in all that taste.
- gentle cheddar cheese – freshly shredded cheese melts superbly and offers the dish that creamy, comforting texture.
Discover the total ingredient listing with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
Substitutions
- Floor beef – Need to lighten it up? Swap in floor turkey or hen! And in case 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 case you’re aiming for a vegetarian model, vegetable broth works like a attraction.
The right way to Make Wholesome Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Add oil to a big, deep skillet or Dutch oven. As soon as oil is scorching, add onion and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes till aromatic.
Step 2: Add floor beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook dinner 7-8 minutes till your meat is cooked by. Drain fats, if wanted.
Step 4: Stir in dry pasta.
Step 5: Deliver to a delicate boil over medium warmth. Cook dinner about 8-12 minutes, till pasta is al dente and many 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 recent cheese! Belief me, freshly shredded cheese is price the additional minute! Pre-shredded cheese can have components that preserve it from melting easily, however in case you seize a block and grate it your self, you’ll get that gooey, creamy texture that takes this dish to the following degree. Plus, the flavour is unbeatable!
The right way to Serve
I like serving this Wholesome Hamburger Helper straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of recent parsley and chives, it’s basic consolation meals at its finest! However just a few 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. Once you’re able to reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to convey again that creamy goodness.
Freezer: This dish freezes effectively! Let it cool utterly, then switch to a freezer-safe container. It’ll preserve for as much as 3 months. Once you’re able to take pleasure in, 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 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 excellent, creamy consistency.
After all! Be happy to make use of small shells, rotini, and even penne. Simply verify the pasta a bit early to ensure 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 further minutes to thicken up. A bit tweak right here and there, and also you’re all set!
Extra Pasta Recipes
Make sure to take a look at the total assortment of dinner recipes on EBF!
