Homemade Hamburger Helper
A nostalgic, one-skillet dinner that tastes like the classic boxed favorite but made from scratch. Cheesy, creamy, and comforting — perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add boiling water and uncooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch until fully dissolved.
- Pour milk mixture into the skillet. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Stir well.
- Continue cooking over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens.
- Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version. Add peas or diced bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition.
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