Skip the boxed meal and make this selfmade wholesome hamburger helper as an alternative. It’s a one pot meal that’s prepared in beneath half-hour for a straightforward weeknight dinner that the entire household will love.
I’ve shared this earlier than, however rising up I ate a number of packaged meals and quick meals. Considered one of my all-time favourite meals to eat as a child was Hamburger Helper.
Since having children of my very own, there are particular nostalgic recipes that I wish to share with them. That stated, I don’t love the concept of serving my kiddos the boxed meal I grew up consuming, so I got down to make a selfmade, wholesome Hamburger Helper with no synthetic preservatives or components.
It took me making this recipe just a few occasions to get the consistency and taste excellent, however as soon as I did I used to be obsessed! This model is made with easy, real-food elements, but it surely nonetheless has all of the creamy, savory goodness I bear in mind loving as a child. One of the best half? My children are equally as obsessive about this recipe. Each Olivia and Tucker devoured it up each time I made it, which was fairly just a few occasions whereas testing.
In the event you grew up consuming Hamburger Helper as a child (and even should you didn’t) I do know you and your complete household are going to like this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot – Only one pan, simple cleanup, and so satisfying.
- Child-approved – My children went loopy for this, and I really like that it’s made with actual elements.
- Creamy and comforting – With tender pasta, melted cheese, and savory spices, it’s consolation meals at its finest.
- Simply customizable – Use dairy-free milk, go for lean floor beef, or throw in some veggies to make it your personal!
Components Wanted
- yellow onion and garlic – these add a scrumptious savory depth that’s so a lot better than something from a field.
- floor beef – I like to make use of 85% lean, however you may go leaner should you want. Floor turkey works too!
- paprika, oregano and chili powder – these spices give the dish a heat, comforting taste that’s a bit smoky, a bit savory.
- tomato paste – provides a wealthy, tomato taste that thickens the sauce.
- low-sodium beef or rooster broth – the broth is essential for cooking the pasta and constructing taste. Go for low-sodium to maintain it lighter.
- milk – I exploit complete milk for creaminess, however be at liberty to make use of dairy-free milk should you’d like!
- macaroni noodles or small shells – traditional decisions that cook dinner proper within the sauce and take in all that taste.
- delicate cheddar cheese – freshly shredded cheese melts superbly and offers the dish that creamy, comforting texture.
Discover the complete ingredient listing with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions
- Floor beef – Wish to lighten it up? Swap in floor turkey or rooster! And should you’re going meatless, crumbled tofu or your favourite plant-based floor “meat” will maintain the feel spot-on.
- Milk – To make it dairy-free, use almond, cashew, or oat milk for that very same creamy vibe. The dish nonetheless seems wealthy and comforting!
- Cheddar cheese – Go dairy-free together with your favourite plant-based cheese, or strive dietary yeast for a “tacky” taste with out the dairy. You gained’t miss a factor!
- Broth – Low-sodium beef or rooster broth provides depth, however should you’re aiming for a vegetarian model, vegetable broth works like a allure.
The best way to Make Wholesome Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Add oil to a big, deep skillet or Dutch oven. As soon as oil is scorching, add onion and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes till aromatic.
Step 2: Add floor beef and season with salt and pepper. Prepare dinner 7-8 minutes till your meat is cooked by way of. Drain fats, if wanted.
Step 4: Stir in dry pasta.
Step 5: Deliver to a mild boil over medium warmth. Prepare dinner about 8-12 minutes, till pasta is al dente and a lot of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Take away from warmth and stir in cheese. Let sit for 1-2 extra minutes till cheese has melted after which toss.
Brittany’s Tip
Go for recent cheese! Belief me, freshly shredded cheese is value the additional minute! Pre-shredded cheese can have components that maintain it from melting easily, however should you seize a block and grate it your self, you’ll get that gooey, creamy texture that takes this dish to the subsequent degree. Plus, the flavour is unbeatable!
The best way to Serve
I really like serving this Wholesome Hamburger Helper straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of recent parsley and chives, it’s traditional consolation meals at its finest! However just a few extras by no means harm. Listed here are some enjoyable choices to make this meal even higher:
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Fridge: Acquired leftovers? Simply pop them in an hermetic container within the fridge the place they’ll keep good for 3-4 days. Whenever you’re able to reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to carry again that creamy goodness.
Freezer: This dish freezes effectively! Let it cool utterly, then switch to a freezer-safe container. It’ll maintain for as much as 3 months. Whenever you’re able to get pleasure from, thaw within the fridge in a single day and reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of milk or broth.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Completely! This dish is nice to make prematurely. Simply retailer it within the fridge and reheat when able to serve, including a little bit of milk or broth to get it again to that good, creamy consistency.
After all! Be at liberty to make use of small shells, rotini, and even penne. Simply test the pasta a bit early to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. If it’s too skinny, let it cook dinner for a few further minutes to thicken up. Somewhat tweak right here and there, and also you’re all set!
Extra Pasta Recipes
You’ll want to try the complete assortment of dinner recipes on EBF!
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