Homemade Hamburger Helper

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 5 minutes
• total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound 80/20 ground beef

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 1/4 cups beef broth , divided

1 cup milk

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

1 teaspoon cornstarch

6 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

Brown the beef and onion: Heat a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally to break the meat into crumbles, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Spoon off and discard any fat. Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Add the seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Add the liquids and cook the pasta: Add 2 cups of the beef broth and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once at a boil, stir in the milk and macaroni and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey LowerSimply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Thicken the sauce: Stir together the cornstarch and the remaining 1/4 cup beef broth in a small bowl until combined. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 3 minutes. Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey LowerSimply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Add the cheese and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the cheese, ensuring it is fully melted and incorporated. Allow to sit and thicken about 5 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of water before reheating to help loosen up the sauce. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below! Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey LowerSimply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Nutrition

• Calories: 317 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg
• Sodium: 1075 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Total Sugars: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g