Description
Hamburger Helper is a nostalgic comfort food that combines tender beef and pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering satisfaction and warmth with every bite. Customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese for a personal touch that makes dinner even more delightful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups small pasta (such as shells or elbow macaroni)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet creamy sauce mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Increase heat slightly, add ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in pasta, water, and sauce mix; bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted. For added nutrition, fold in optional vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg