How To Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Vegetable broth is lower in fat, and bouillon is a cost-effective alternative.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: pasta of choice

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while other pasta types may be more affordable.

Heat a pan over medium-high heat.

Add 0.5 pound of ground beef and begin breaking it up.

Cook beef for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned.

Add 0.5 cup of diced onion and stir in.

Once the beef is browned, add in 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Carefully soak up all the excess grease.

Season with black pepper, garlic and herb seasoning, salt, paprika, and chili powder.

Add 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour and mix well, cooking for 1 minute.

Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce.

Add in a 7 oz bag of small shells and season with more garlic and herb seasoning, salt, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper.

Stir everything well and increase the heat to bring to a simmer.

Once simmering, cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat to medium-low, and allow to simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After 12 minutes, add in 1 cup of shredded medium cheddar cheese and mix until melted and creamy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens