Laura Vitale Makes 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.

In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef until fully cooked.

Finely chop 1/2 onion and a few cloves of garlic.

Season the beef with salt and black pepper.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef; cook for 3-5 minutes until softened.

Add a little bit of flour to the mixture to thicken.

Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and milk; bring to a boil.

Add Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and Cayenne; mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in shell pasta; cover and cook for about 8 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.

Grate a block of extra sharp cheddar cheese; do not use pre-shredded cheese.

Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt as needed.

Serve with fresh parsley and chives if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens