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To make a tasty one-pot hamburger helper, you need some basic ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, drained if using canned) - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish that is sure to please everyone. You can customize your one-pot hamburger helper to fit your taste. Here are some optional ingredients you might add: - Bell peppers for sweetness - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Spinach for extra greens - Hot sauce for a kick - Different cheese types like mozzarella or pepper jack Adding these ingredients can make your meal unique and fun. If you have dietary needs, don’t worry. You can adjust this recipe easily. Here are some swaps: - Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. - Try plant-based meat for a vegetarian version. - Use vegetable broth for a meat-free dish. - Substitute gluten-free pasta if you need to avoid gluten. These substitutions keep the dish delicious while catering to different diets. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by grabbing a large pot or a Dutch oven. Heat it over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 small diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir the mix with a spoon. Cook until the beef turns brown and the onion looks clear. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there is extra fat in the pot, drain it. This step helps keep your dish from being greasy. Next, stir in 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all the ingredients well. Turn the heat up to bring it to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every now and then to stop it from sticking. The macaroni will be tender when done, and most of the liquid should be gone. Once the macaroni is ready, take the pot off the heat. Now, stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the dish becomes creamy. For a fresh touch, sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your meal in bowls, and feel free to add more cheese if you like! To keep the macaroni just right, watch the clock. Cook it for 12-15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking. If you see it getting too soft, take it off the heat. The macaroni will keep cooking after you remove it. Aim for a firm bite, or "al dente." This way, the pasta stays tasty and holds its shape. When adding cheese and sour cream, do it off the heat. This keeps the cheese smooth and creamy. Stir in the cheese a little at a time. Let it melt before adding more. For sour cream, mix it in gently. This helps keep the dish creamy and rich. If you rush, the cheese can clump, and we want a silky finish. You only need a few tools for this dish. A large pot or Dutch oven is key for even cooking. A wooden spoon helps mix ingredients well and won't scratch your pot. Use a ladle for serving; it makes dishing out easy. Lastly, have a cutting board and knife ready for chopping. Keep it simple, and you’ll enjoy cooking even more! Pro Tips Brown the Beef Properly: Ensure the ground beef is well-browned for maximum flavor. This caramelization adds depth to the dish. Choose Your Cheese: For a different flavor profile, try mixing in other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack along with the cheddar. Vegetable Boost: Add chopped bell peppers or spinach for an extra veggie boost that enhances both nutrition and flavor. Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully. Make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers for an easy meal later in the week. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles. These crumbles mimic the texture of meat and soak up flavors well. Use the same amount, about 1 pound. Cook them just like you would the beef. You’ll still get a hearty, comforting meal that everyone can enjoy. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Look for elbow macaroni made from rice or chickpeas. Cook it in the same way. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten. To change the spice level, you can add or reduce spices. If you like it mild, skip the smoked paprika. For heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can always taste as you go. This lets you find the right balance for your family. Everyone can enjoy a bowl of this dish just the way they like it! After enjoying your Cheesy Beef and Mac Delight, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing. This step helps keep the texture fresh. Place the container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, scoop the desired amount into a pot. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low, stirring often. This method helps the dish stay creamy. You can also use a microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your leftovers, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the dish may expand. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge for a night to thaw. Reheat using the stovetop or microwave as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Prepare the dish, but do not add cheese or sour cream yet. Store the pot in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add the cheese and sour cream just before serving. This keeps the dish creamy and fresh. You can serve many sides with Hamburger Helper. Here are a few ideas: - Buttery garlic bread - Steamed broccoli or green beans - A simple mixed green salad - Roasted vegetables, like carrots and zucchini These sides add color and balance to the meal. To spice up your Hamburger Helper, try these tips: - Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking. - Use spicy sausage instead of ground beef. - Mix in hot sauce or your favorite chili sauce before serving. These ideas will give your dish a nice kick! This blog post covered how to make a tasty one-pot Hamburger Helper. We explored main and optional ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to get it right. You learned about tasty variations, proper storage, and answers to common questions. Now, you can customize this dish to fit your needs. Enjoy making it your own and sharing with others. This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights.

Cheesy Beef and Mac Delight

A comforting and creamy dish featuring ground beef, macaroni, and cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, drained if using canned)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot to reduce greasiness.
  • Stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
  • Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Off the heat, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the cheese is melted and everything is creamy and well blended.
  • Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls with extra cheese and garlic bread on the side.
Keyword beef, cheese, comfort food, macaroni