Homemade Hamburger Helper

$- 1 lb ground beef - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 3 cups broccoli florets To start, ground beef gives this dish its hearty base. It cooks quickly and adds rich flavor. Elbow macaroni pairs well, soaking up all the tasty sauce. Broccoli florets add a nice crunch and vibrant color. Together, they make a balanced meal. - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups beef broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Next, onion and garlic bring depth to the dish. They sauté nicely, adding a savory aroma. Beef broth provides moisture and flavor as the macaroni cooks. Milk and cheddar cheese make it creamy and cheesy. Worcestershire sauce adds a touch of umami. Seasonings like onion and garlic powder enhance the flavors. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the meal. For a full recipe, check out the details I provided earlier. To start, you need to brown the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often and break it up with a spatula. You want it fully cooked with no pink left. After cooking, drain any excess grease to keep it lean. Next, it's time to sauté the onions and garlic. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You will know they are ready when the onion turns translucent and soft. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Now, it’s time to add the macaroni and broth. Stir in 2 cups of elbow macaroni and 3 cups of beef broth. Make sure to mix well. Then, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The macaroni should be al dente when done. Next, incorporate the broccoli. Add 3 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover it again and cook for another 5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. Finally, mix in the cheese and milk. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir until the cheese melts and combines well with the other ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your homemade Hamburger Helper is now ready to serve hot. Enjoy this simple and savory meal! For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. To avoid mushy macaroni, use a timer. Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. This keeps it firm and tasty. Stir it gently while cooking to prevent sticking. When sautéing garlic and onions, use medium heat. Add a little oil to the pan and let it warm up. Cook the onions until they turn clear, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic for just a minute. This way, you get the full flavor without burning it. For serving, use deep bowls. This keeps the meal warm and helps with the look. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving. It adds a nice touch. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste. You can add more salt, pepper, or other spices to make it your own. If you love cheese, try mixing in different types. Use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also blend cheeses for a unique flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish meat-free. Start by substituting ground beef with plant-based protein. Options like lentils or crumbled tofu work well. They absorb flavors nicely and add texture. Next, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This swap makes the dish rich and savory without meat. With these changes, you get a tasty vegetarian meal. For a low-carb twist, swap elbow macaroni for zucchini noodles. You can spiralize the zucchini or slice it thin. This keeps the dish light and fresh. Adjust the cooking times for zucchini, as it cooks faster than pasta. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. This way, you enjoy a hearty meal without the carbs. If you love heat, try adding pepper flakes or jalapeños. This brings a nice kick to the dish. You can adjust the amount based on your spice level. For an extra fiery touch, incorporate hot sauce. Just a splash can elevate the whole flavor profile. Enjoy this spicy version with your favorite toppings. To store your leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. In the fridge, your Homemade Hamburger Helper will last 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. You can freeze Homemade Hamburger Helper for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to ensure it heats evenly. You can also add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Leftovers can be fun and tasty! Mix them into a new dish, like a casserole. You can also stuff them in bell peppers and bake. For meal prep, divide the leftovers into single servings. This makes for quick lunches or dinners during the week. You can even top it with an egg for a hearty breakfast. Enjoy all the ways to use your Homemade Hamburger Helper! Homemade Hamburger Helper lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it safe, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent bacteria from growing. Make sure to cool it down before putting it in the fridge. When you reheat it, heat it to at least 165°F (74°C) for safety. This way, you can enjoy your meal without worry. Yes, you can make Homemade Hamburger Helper ahead of time. To do this, cook it as usual and let it cool. Once cool, place it in a container and store it in the fridge. You can reheat it when you're ready to eat. If you want to save time later, you can also freeze it. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you want to substitute beef, there are many options. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. If you prefer plant-based protein, try lentils or chickpeas. These options still give you a great taste and texture. Always adjust the cooking times as needed. You can also switch to vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian dish. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Homemade Hamburger Helper. We discussed the main ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and broccoli, along with tips for cooking. I shared steps to combine ingredients for a creamy finish. We also covered variations and storage tips. You can easily customize this dish to fit your taste. Remember, whether you want a veggie version or something spicy, there’s an option for everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Skillet, the perfect one-pan meal that combines hearty beef, tender broccoli, and creamy cheddar! This quick and easy recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights. Say goodbye to store-bought meals and enjoy a homemade delight that your whole family will love! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

2 cups elbow macaroni

3 cups broccoli florets

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups beef broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent.

Stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is al dente.

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, re-cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls, and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before garnishing with parsley for an appetizing look. Enjoy your homemade Hamburger Helper!