How To Make Homemade Hamburger Helper | Cheeseburger Macaroni | Quick Weeknight Dinner

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often cheaper.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar is lower in calories, while processed cheese is usually less expensive.

Heat a high sided saucepan over medium to high heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of bacon grease and let it melt.

Add 1 chopped sweet onion and sauté for a few minutes until tender and lightly brown.

Move the onions to the side of the pan, creating a well in the center.

Add 1 pound of ground beef into the center and break it into small pieces with a spatula.

Cook the beef through until it has just a touch of red left, then add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup of white wine, scraping the sides and bottom, and reduce until almost gone.

Add 1 teaspoon of hot smoked paprika, a dash of black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and work it into the mixture over low to medium heat.

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of beef broth, mixing well.

Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, stir, and bring to a light simmer over medium heat.

Cook for roughly 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Check the macaroni for doneness after 8 to 10 minutes and adjust liquid if necessary.

Reduce heat to low to medium and add 3/4 cup of heavy cream, mixing until well combined.

Add 8 ounces of mild cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or hot sauce if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens