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Hamburger Helper Style Family Dinner
Andrew Fowler

Homemade Hamburger Helper (Cheeseburger Macaroni)

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup water reserved as needed
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 3 oz sharp cheddar finely grated
  • 2 oz deli American cheese torn

Method
 

  1. Heat a deep 12-inch 5-quart saute pan over medium-high heat. Brown beef and onion for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat finely and cooking it to 160°F; spoon off excess fat.
  2. Stir in garlic and paprika for 30 seconds. Add macaroni, broth, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer.
  3. Cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom every 2 minutes. Add reserved water 2 tablespoons at a time only if the pan dries before the pasta is tender.
  4. Stir in evaporated milk and mustard and simmer gently for 1 minute; keep a little fluid sauce around the pasta.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in American cheese, then cheddar, until smooth. Rest for 2 minutes and serve while the macaroni is loose and glossy.