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Homemade Hamburger Helper

A cheesy, hearty, and quick one-pan meal that elevates the classic boxed Hamburger Helper with real ingredients and bigger flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1-2 tablespoons Olive oil Use 1 to 2 tablespoons as needed.
  • 1 pound Lean ground beef
  • 1 small Yellow onion, diced
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
  • 2 teaspoons All-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces Small dry pasta (shells or elbows)
  • 2½ cups Reduced sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup Tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 heaping cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup Sweet pickle relish or diced gherkins
  • 2 tablespoons Green onions, sliced For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly.
  2. Add the ground beef and diced onion together, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
  3. Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until browned and onion becomes soft.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle flour evenly and stir constantly for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in beef broth, tomato puree, and Dijon mustard, and add the dry pasta without pre-cooking.
  4. Stir thoroughly to prevent sticking, cover, and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Check pasta at 12 minutes for tenderness; add extra broth if too thick.
  7. Turn heat down, add cheddar in handfuls, and stir until melted.
  8. Fold in relish for tang and serve immediately garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes

Taste and adjust salt before serving. For added heat, include hot sauce. Leftovers can be reheated with extra broth.