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a wooden spoon holding up a scoop of creamy hamburger helper from scratch
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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper blows the kind in the box right out of the water. In just under 30 minutes, your family will be enjoying the creamiest, cheesiest, beefiest pasta ever!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Entree, Lunch, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 445kcal
Author: Meaghan - The Quicker Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • scant 1/2 tsp ground thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow pasta
  • 12-14 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
  • 1 cup milk
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the ground beef to a large skillet set over medium heat. Cook, crumbling along the way, until cooked through and no pink remains. Strain off all excess grease.
    1 lb lean ground beef
  • Add all of the seasonings and the ketchup to the beef, stirring until evenly combined.
    2 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt & pepper, scant 1/2 tsp ground thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp ketchup
  • Add the broth to the dish, again stirring to combine, and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the pasta until evenly combined.
    2 cups beef broth, 2 cups elbow pasta
  • Immediately reduce the heat to medium low and cover the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the pasta's tender.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the velveeta cheese to the skillet, stirring until evenly combined.
    12-14 oz Velveeta cheese
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the milk until the mixture's evenly combined, and smooth & creamy.
    1 cup milk
  • Serve warm & enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use cream or half and half in place of milk, for extra thick creamy mac and cheese.
  • Don't have elbows? Use any smaller shape like penne or rotini.
  • Want to make it extra creamy? Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1312mg | Potassium: 710mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 818IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 406mg | Iron: 3mg