Skip the boxed meal and make this selfmade wholesome hamburger helper as an alternative. It’s a one pot meal that’s prepared in below half-hour for a simple weeknight dinner that the entire household will love.
I’ve shared this earlier than, however rising up I ate loads of packaged meals and quick meals. One in every 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 mentioned, I don’t love the thought of serving my kiddos the boxed meal I grew up consuming, so I got down to make a selfmade, wholesome Hamburger Helper with no synthetic preservatives or components.
It took me making this recipe a number of instances 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 elements, but it surely 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 number of instances whereas testing.
In case you grew up consuming Hamburger Helper as a child (and even in case 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, simple cleanup, and so satisfying.
- Child-approved – My children went loopy for this, and I like that it’s made with actual elements.
- Creamy and comforting – With tender pasta, melted cheese, and savory spices, it’s consolation meals at its greatest.
- Simply customizable – Use dairy-free milk, go for lean floor beef, or throw in some veggies to make it your individual!
Elements Wanted
- yellow onion and garlic – these add a scrumptious savory depth that’s so a lot better than something from a field.
- floor beef – I like to make use of 85% lean, however you may go leaner in case you desire. Floor turkey works too!
- paprika, oregano and chili powder – these spices give the dish a heat, comforting taste that’s slightly smoky, slightly savory.
- tomato paste – provides a wealthy, tomato taste that thickens the sauce.
- low-sodium beef or hen broth – the broth is vital 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 in case you’d like!
- macaroni noodles or small shells – traditional decisions that prepare dinner proper within the sauce and take in all that taste.
- gentle cheddar cheese – freshly shredded cheese melts fantastically and provides the dish that creamy, comforting texture.
Discover the complete ingredient checklist with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions
- Floor beef – Wish to lighten it up? Swap in floor turkey or hen! And in case you’re going meatless, crumbled tofu or your favourite plant-based floor “meat” will preserve 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 along with your favourite plant-based cheese, or attempt dietary yeast for a “tacky” taste with out the dairy. You received’t miss a factor!
- Broth – Low-sodium beef or hen broth provides depth, however in case you’re aiming for a vegetarian model, vegetable broth works like a attraction.
Easy methods to Make Wholesome Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Add oil to a big, deep skillet or Dutch oven. As soon as oil is sizzling, 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 by means of. 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 mild boil over medium warmth.
Step 5: Cook dinner the pasta for about 8-12 minutes, or till pasta is al dente and many 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 contemporary cheese! Belief me, freshly shredded cheese is price the additional minute! Pre-shredded cheese can have components that preserve it from melting easily, however in case 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!
Easy methods to Serve
I like serving this Wholesome Hamburger Helper straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of contemporary parsley and chives, it’s traditional consolation meals at its greatest! However a number of extras by no means damage. Listed below 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. Whenever you’re able to reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to convey again that creamy goodness.
Freezer: This dish freezes nicely! Let it cool fully, then switch to a freezer-safe container. It’ll preserve for as much as 3 months. Whenever you’re able to get pleasure from, 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 bit tweak right here and there, and also you’re all set!
Extra Pasta Recipes
Be sure you try the complete assortment of dinner recipes on EBF!
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