Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Ingredients for Homemade Hamburger Helper

• Oil
• Onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt
• Ground Beef
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Macaroni And Cheese Mix
• Milk
• Butter
• American Cheese

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

1. Boil 6 cups of water in a large pot. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add 1.5 pounds of ground beef to the skillet. Crumble the beef with a spoon and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
5. Once the beef is almost cooked through (still slightly pink), stir in 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
6. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the tomatoes have softened, about 5 more minutes.
7. In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk until smooth and creamy.
8. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
10. Add the beef and tomato mixture to the macaroni and cheese. Stir until well combined and heated through.
11. Serve immediately with extra cheese if desired.