Skip the boxed meal and make this home made wholesome hamburger helper as a substitute. It’s a one pot meal that’s prepared in below half-hour for a straightforward weeknight dinner that the entire household will love.
I’ve shared this earlier than, however rising up I ate a number 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 particular nostalgic recipes that I wish to share with them. That stated, I don’t love the concept of serving my kiddos the boxed meal I grew up consuming, so I got down to make a home made, wholesome Hamburger Helper with no synthetic preservatives or components.
It took me making this recipe a couple of 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 substances, nevertheless it nonetheless has all of the creamy, savory goodness I bear in mind loving as a child. One of the best half? My children are equally as obsessive about this recipe. Each Olivia and Tucker wolfed it up each time I made it, which was fairly a couple of occasions whereas testing.
For those who grew up consuming Hamburger Helper as a child (and even when you didn’t) I do know you and your complete household are going to like this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot – Only one pan, straightforward cleanup, and so satisfying.
- Child-approved – My children went loopy for this, and I like that it’s made with actual substances.
- 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 personal!
Components Wanted
- yellow onion and garlic – recent onion and garlic 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 when you want. Floor turkey works too!
- paprika, oregano and chili powder – these spices give the dish a heat, comforting taste that’s somewhat smoky, somewhat savory.
- tomato paste – provides a wealthy, tomato taste that thickens the sauce.
- low-sodium beef or rooster broth – the broth is essential for cooking the pasta and constructing taste. Go for low-sodium to maintain it lighter.
- milk – I take advantage of complete milk for creaminess, however be at liberty to make use of dairy-free milk when you’d like!
- macaroni noodles or small shells – basic decisions that prepare dinner proper within the sauce and take in all that taste.
- gentle cheddar cheese – shredded cheese melts superbly and provides the dish that creamy, comforting texture.
Discover the complete ingredient checklist with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
Substitutions
- Floor beef: Wish to lighten it up? Swap in floor turkey or rooster! And when you’re going meatless, crumbled tofu or your favourite plant-based floor “meat” will maintain 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 gained’t miss a factor!
- Broth: Low-sodium beef or rooster broth provides depth, however when you’re aiming for a vegetarian model, vegetable broth works like a attraction.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle on some purple pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha or your favourite scorching sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips on how 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 via. Drain fats, if wanted.
Step 3: Add spices, tomato paste, broth and milk to the pot.
Step 4: Stir within the dry pasta. Convey to a delicate boil over medium warmth.
Step 5: Cook dinner the pasta for about 8-12 minutes, or till pasta is al dente and a lot of the liquid has been 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 maintain it from melting easily, however when you seize a block and grate it your self, you’ll get that gooey, creamy texture that takes this dish to the subsequent stage. Plus, the flavour is unbeatable!
Tips on how 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 a couple of extras by no means harm. Listed here are some enjoyable choices to make this meal even higher:
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Fridge: Acquired 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 properly! Let it cool utterly, then switch to a freezer-safe container. It’ll maintain 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.
Ceaselessly 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 prepare dinner for a few additional minutes to thicken up. A little bit tweak right here and there, and also you’re all set!
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Remember to try the complete assortment of dinner recipes on EBF!
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