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A steaming bowl of homemade Hamburger Helper featuring seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh herbs on a rustic wooden table.

Best Hamburger Helper


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Dairy, Nut-Free

Description

Discover the best hamburger helper recipe that is quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners. This hearty ground beef dish is customizable with your favorite ingredients and makes a delicious family favorite in no time.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 cup pasta or rice (elbow macaroni, penne, or jasmine rice)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
  • Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder
  • Optional: vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, season with salt, pepper, and spices.
  2. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Pour in beef broth or water, bring to a boil, then stir in pasta or rice.
  4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer according to package directions (about 10-15 minutes) until tender.
  5. Stir in shredded cheese and optional vegetables or toppings. Mix until cheese melts and ingredients are well combined.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey for a leaner version or experiment with different cheeses for flavor variations.
  • Add hot sauce or chili dip for extra spice and flavor.
  • For a creamier texture, stir in sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 830mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg