Cheesy Beef and Mac Delight

$- 1 pound ground beef - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups beef broth - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Homemade One-Pot Hamburger Helper starts with simple, fresh ingredients. The main star is ground beef, which gives the dish its savory flavor. I choose 80/20 beef for the right mix of fat and meat. This balance makes the dish juicy and delicious. Next, I add elbow macaroni. It cooks perfectly in the broth, soaking up all the flavor. The beef broth adds depth and richness. It is the base for the entire meal. To boost the flavor, I use a small onion and garlic. Diced onion adds sweetness and makes the dish aromatic. Minced garlic gives it a punch. Together, they create a savory base. Worcestershire sauce adds a unique tang. Just two teaspoons bring a lot of flavor. I also use diced tomatoes for freshness. They add a nice texture and a bit of acidity. For the creamy finish, I mix in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. The cheese melts into the dish, making it gooey. Sour cream adds a rich, tangy taste. Finally, I garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal satisfying and tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by warming a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, along with 1 small diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook this mix until the beef is brown and the onion is clear. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the meat is cooked, drain any extra fat from the pot. This step keeps your dish from being greasy and helps the flavors shine. Now it's time to add the fun stuff. Toss in 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 4 cups of beef broth, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. You can use either canned or fresh tomatoes, depending on what you have. Also, add in 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything well to mix all the flavors. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer. This should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta cooks evenly. The macaroni should be tender and most of the liquid should be gone when you finish. Once the macaroni is ready, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. This will make the dish creamy and cheesy. Mix until everything melts together. For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving. This adds color and flavor. Serve this dish in bowls and feel free to add extra cheese on top. Garlic bread makes a great side to complete your meal. Best practices for browning beef To get the best flavor, use medium heat. Cook the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Break it up as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is brown and onions are soft. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If there is extra fat, drain it. This keeps the dish from being greasy. Tips for cooking macaroni perfectly Cook the elbow macaroni in the same pot as the other ingredients. This adds flavor and saves time. Stir the mixture often while it cooks. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Simmer until the macaroni is tender. It should absorb most of the liquid. Spice variations for extra zest You can easily change the flavor by adding spices. For a kick, try red pepper flakes or cayenne. For a smoky taste, add more smoked paprika. Experiment with Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a different twist. Using fresh versus canned tomatoes Fresh tomatoes add a bright flavor. If using fresh, chop them into small pieces. Canned tomatoes are great for convenience. They are easy to use and still tasty. Choose diced tomatoes for this recipe for a nice texture. Presentation tips for a beautiful dish Serve the Hamburger Helper in individual bowls. This makes it look special. Top each bowl with extra shredded cheese. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Complementary side dishes A side of garlic bread pairs well with this dish. It’s easy to make and adds a nice crunch. You can also serve a simple salad. A fresh salad helps balance the meal with some crunch and nutrients. Pro Tips Cook the Beef Thoroughly: Ensure that the ground beef is cooked all the way through to enhance flavor and texture in your dish. Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a unique flavor twist. Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences. Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Ground turkey or chicken makes a great swap. They give you a leaner option without losing flavor. If you prefer plant-based meals, try using plant-based meat. It cooks just like ground beef and tastes great in this recipe. If you want to switch up the pasta, you can use different types. Any short pasta works well, like penne or shells. For those who need dairy-free options, look for dairy-free cheese or sour cream. These substitutes melt well and keep the dish creamy. To change the taste, try adding Italian spices. Oregano, basil, or even a hint of crushed red pepper can boost the flavor. For a Tex-Mex twist, add chili powder or cumin. This gives your meal a fun kick. You can even mix in some black beans for extra texture! To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This way, you keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any change in smell or color, it’s best to toss it out. For freezing portions, use freezer-safe containers. Let the dish cool completely before packing it. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge for a night to defrost. For quicker defrosting, place the container under cold water. To reheat without drying out, use the stovetop on low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. You need 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. 1. Prep Time: 10 minutes 2. Cook Time: 20 minutes You’ll find it’s quick and easy. The whole family can enjoy it in no time! Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta. Some brands offer great options. Look for rice or quinoa-based pasta. These choices work well and taste good. Adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. Here are some ideas: - Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach towards the end of cooking. - Bell Peppers: Dice and sauté them with the beef. - Zucchini: Grate or chop and add to the pot. You can also swap out the beef. Try ground turkey or plant-based meat for variety. These swaps help make the meal lighter and healthier. In this blog post, we explored a delicious homemade Hamburger Helper recipe. We covered key ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and beef broth. We also shared cooking steps, tips for taste, and creative variations. Remember, you can customize this dish to match your diet or flavor needs. Enjoy making this comforting meal at home. It’s simple, tasty, and will impress your family or friends. Happy cooking!$

A creamy and cheesy one-pot meal featuring ground beef, macaroni, and a blend of savory ingredients.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups beef broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture.
Add the elbow macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper into the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the dish in individual bowls and sprinkle extra cheese on top for a fun finish. Pair with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keyword beef, cheesy, macaroni, one-pot