Creamy Homemade Hamburger Helper Delight Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Meal
A creamy, comforting, and easy homemade version of Hamburger Helper using just five simple ingredients. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni (use gluten-free pasta if needed)
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk (whole milk preferred, 2% as substitute)
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder or onion powder
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, then pour in beef broth and milk. Stir well so pasta is mostly submerged.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover loosely and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let sit for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
Notes
Brown the beef well for added flavor. Keep heat low during simmer to avoid burning. Stir frequently but gently to prevent pasta from sticking. Use sharp cheddar for best melt and flavor. If sauce is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry. Let dish rest a few minutes before serving to thicken sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups (350
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 25
Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, 5-ingredient meal, comfort food