The Best 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 oil in a large skillet until hot.

Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped green bell pepper; sauté until softened.

Remove the sautéed onion and bell pepper from the skillet and set aside.

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet; break it apart and cook until browned.

Stir in 1 packet of beefy onion soup mix and let it cook together.

Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir it in.

Pour in 8 ounces of tomato sauce and stir to combine.

Add 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese and mix until melted and incorporated.

Add 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni to the skillet.

Pour in 1.5 cups of milk and 1.5 cups of beef broth; stir to combine.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer until the macaroni is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Once cooked, top with additional cheese and let it melt before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens