Hamburger Helper Substitute

Skip the boxed mix and upgrade your dinner game with this hearty and homemade Hamburger Helper Substitute. Packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this one-pan wonder is the ultimate comfort food made from scratch. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of paprika for a burst of flavor, this easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples like milk, beef broth, and butter to create a creamy, satisfying dish the whole family will love. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and enjoy this budget-friendly, no-fuss meal any night of the week!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups Beef broth
• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Optional chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet or sauté pan, over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.

Step 2

Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Step 4

Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir until fully submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Step 5

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 6

Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. If the mixture seems too thick, you can stir in a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it.

Step 7

Serve hot, garnished with optional chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1906.7 grams (1906.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3251

Total Fat 192.50g	247%
Saturated Fat 101.20g	506%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g
Cholesterol 649mg	216%
Sodium 6100mg	265%
Total Carbohydrate 203.00g	74%
Dietary Fiber 9.40g	34%
Total Sugars 31.30g
Protein 186.10g	372%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2330mg	179%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 2247mg	48%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.7%

Protein: 22.6%

Carbs: 24.7%