Homemade Hamburger Helper

What You’ll Need

For the Beef & Base

• 1 lb. grass fed ground beef
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Finish

• 1½–2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Let’s Cook

1. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion. Cook 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and onions are softened.
Drain excess grease if needed. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Build the Flavor Base

Stir in: tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and worcestershire sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.

3. Add Pasta & Liquid

Pour in: beef broth, and milk. Stir in uncooked macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until: pasta is tender, and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Cooking pasta directly in the sauce helps it absorb flavor and keeps it a one-pot dish. 

4. Add Cheese

Turn heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

5. Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Serve hot.