CHEESY, RICH, INSANELY DELICIOUS...MY HOMEMADE VERSION OF HAMBURGER HELPER | SAM THE COOKING GUY

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 olive oil in a 12-inch cast-iron pan over medium heat.

Add diced onion, diced celery, and diced green poblano; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and a touch more oil; mix and sauté until fragrant.

Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground hot Italian sausage; break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Once the meat is mostly cooked, add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and mix well.

Season with dry basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.

Add 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with your hands, and 1 cup of passata tomato puree; mix well.

Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and stir to ensure it is submerged.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce heat slightly.

Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking, cooking for about 10-15 minutes until macaroni is tender.

Once cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens