Description
A simple and delicious homemade version of Hamburger Helper, packed with flavor and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 recommended)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces small-shaped dry uncooked pasta
- 2 ½ cups reduced sodium beef broth
- ½ cup tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (honey mustard may be substituted)
- 1 heaping cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional: ½ cup more for topping)
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish (or diced sweet gherkins or 1 teaspoon granulated sugar)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnishing)
Instructions
- In a large high-sided skillet, heat olive oil and add ground beef and onion. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the beef is cooked and onion is softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir to combine, and cook for an additional minute.
- Add pasta, beef broth, tomato puree, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Bring to a boil, then remove the lid and stir well. Cover again and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Check pasta for doneness and adjust liquid if necessary. For a saucier dish, reduce simmering time or add more broth or tomato puree.
- Add shredded cheese and optional sweet pickle relish. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning if needed.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle with additional cheese, cover, and let it melt. Optionally garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- For pasta, use half of a 16 oz box or 2/3 of a 12 oz box.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable or chicken broth, or water with added seasonings.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the simmering time.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg