Ah, the nostalgia of boxed dinners from childhood—simple, comforting, and, let’s be honest, a little bit magical. But as much as we might crave the ease of grabbing a box, there’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a homemade version that’s quick, easy, and infinitely tastier. Picture this: a bubbling skillet filled with beefy goodness and cheesy pasta that has the power to turn a regular Tuesday into something special.
Steps
- Start by placing the ground beef and chopped onion in a large pot. Cook over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes, breaking the beef into pieces and draining excess fat.
- Mix in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder with the beef and onion. Add the beef broth and increase the heat to high until the mixture begins to boil.
- Once boiling, incorporate the uncooked elbow macaroni into the pot. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 13-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- While the pasta cooks, grate the cheddar cheese. Remove the pot from the heat and blend in the cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve immediately. Adjust seasoning as desired before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium Vidalia (sweet) onion, chopped
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2004kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 176g | Fat: 100g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Cholesterol: 520mg | Sodium: 4424mg | Potassium: 2496mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2560IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 1748mg | Iron: 16mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
- Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as alternatives if you prefer a different type of meat.
- What pasta shapes can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
- You can try using other pasta shapes, such as shells, but you may need to adjust the liquid amounts and cooking time as this recipe has only been tested with macaroni.
- How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. However, be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb the broth over time.
- Can I freeze the leftover Hamburger Helper?
- Freezing is not recommended as cooked pasta often changes texture once thawed, which may affect the dish’s overall quality.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to your liking by adding more chili powder, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or smoked cheddar for more flavor variations.
Tips
- If you’re running low on liquid while the pasta is still cooking, add more liquid in increments of 1/2 cup to prevent sticking or burning.
- For added nutrition and flavor, consider incorporating vegetables such as finely chopped bell peppers or a handful of spinach near the end of the cooking process.
- To alter the flavor profile, feel free to adjust the seasonings. You can increase the chili powder or add ingredients like hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack or smoked cheddar, to create interesting variations of the dish.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – A good quality pot for cooking the entire dish in one pot.
- Cheese Grater – For grating the cheddar cheese.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – To stir and break up the ground beef while cooking.
