Skip the boxed meal and make this selfmade wholesome hamburger helper as a substitute. 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 numerous packaged meals and quick meals. Certainly 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 mentioned, I don’t love the thought 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 a couple of 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 substances, however it nonetheless has all of the creamy, savory goodness I keep in mind loving as a child. The perfect 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 a couple of occasions whereas testing.
Should 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, straightforward cleanup, and so satisfying.
- Child-approved – My children went loopy for this, and I really like that it’s made with actual substances.
- 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!
Elements Wanted
- yellow onion and garlic – these add a scrumptious savory depth that’s so significantly 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 somewhat smoky, somewhat 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 take advantage of complete milk for creaminess, however be happy to make use of dairy-free milk should you’d like!
- macaroni noodles or small shells – basic selections that prepare dinner proper within the sauce and take in all that taste.
- delicate cheddar cheese – freshly shredded cheese melts fantastically and provides the dish that creamy, comforting texture.
Discover the total ingredient record with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
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 preserve 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 along with your favourite plant-based cheese, or strive dietary yeast for a “tacky” taste with out the dairy. You received’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 appeal.
Tips on how to Make Wholesome Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Add oil to a big, deep skillet or Dutch oven. As soon as oil is sizzling, 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 means 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 contemporary cheese! Belief me, freshly shredded cheese is price the additional minute! Pre-shredded cheese can have components that preserve 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 following stage. Plus, the flavour is unbeatable!
Tips on how to Serve
I really like serving this Wholesome Hamburger Helper straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of contemporary parsley and chives, it’s basic consolation meals at its finest! However a couple of 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. Once you’re able to reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to convey again that creamy goodness.
Freezer: This dish freezes properly! Let it cool fully, then switch to a freezer-safe container. It’ll preserve for as much as 3 months. Once you’re able to take pleasure in, thaw within the fridge in a single day and reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of milk or broth.
Often Requested Questions
Completely! This dish is nice to make upfront. 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 excellent, creamy consistency.
After all! Be at liberty to make use of small shells, rotini, and even penne. Simply verify the pasta a bit early to verify it’s cooked al dente.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. If it’s too skinny, let it prepare dinner for a few additional minutes to thicken up. Just a little tweak right here and there, and also you’re all set!
Extra Pasta Recipes
Remember to take a look at the total assortment of dinner recipes on EBF!
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