Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy meal that brings back memories of childhood dinners. This dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, and soft pasta, making it a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but satisfying.
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Why Make This Recipe
Making Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper at home is not only easy but also allows you to control the ingredients. You can personalize the flavors, use fresh ingredients, and eliminate preservatives often found in store-bought versions. Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly and can feed a crowd!
How to Make Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Making your own Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper is simple and fun. Follow these steps to create a tasty dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking, then drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy whipping cream, and cheddar cheese. Simmer until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the drained pasta back to the skillet and toss until coated.
- Remove from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Serve your Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper hot in bowls. You can garnish with extra cheddar cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper
If you have leftovers, store Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or milk to loosen the cheese sauce.
Tips to Make Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Customize the Cheese: Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for varying flavors.
- Add Veggies: Include veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you like some heat.
Variation
For a healthier version, you can swap ground beef for lean turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a higher fiber content.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A1: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and just reheat it when you are ready to serve.
Q2: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A2: Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper. Just allow it to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape that you prefer or have on hand.
Enjoy making this delicious Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper! It’s sure to become a go-to meal for your family.
Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Cooked until al dente
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic Add during beef cooking
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use fresh for best results
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cooking
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion.
- Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking, then drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy whipping cream, and cheddar cheese.
- Simmer until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the drained pasta back to the skillet and toss until coated.
- Remove from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve hot.
