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.

Add 1 pound of ground beef to a large pan and brown it using a meat chopper until there is no pink remaining.

If there is a lot of fat in the pan, drain it off; if not, leave it and proceed.

Add the seasonings: 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.

Pour in 2 cups of hot water and 1.5 cups of 2% milk, stirring to mix.

Add 2 cups of cavatappi pasta (or any small pasta) and stir.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to simmer for 8 to 11 minutes until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

After 10-11 minutes, turn off the heat and stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese until melted.

Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens