Homemade Hamburger Helper

mmmmmm Hamburger Helper

 My daughter loves hamburger helper and I do too. I am not real happy with the hamburger helper from a box. I just don't believe in powdered cheese. Really- powdered cheese? That is worse than "cheese food." I think this is so much better than the boxed stuff. Basically it is browned hamburger, milk, water, spices, pasta, and cheese. It is the perfect weeknight one dish meal.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

1 lb (.45 kg) of Ground Beef
2 1/2 Cups (600 ml) of Milk
1 1/2 Cups (360 ml) of Hot Water
2 Cups (280 g) of Pasta
1 Tbsp of Cornstarch
1 Tbsp of Chili Powder

1 Tsp of Onion Powder
2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1 Tsp of Sugar
1/2 Tsp of Salt

1/2 Tsp of Fresh Cracked Pepper
3/4 Tsp of Paprika
1/4 Tsp of Cayenne Pepper
2 - 2 1/2 Cups (240-300 g) of Shredded Cheese

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray and add the ground beef.

Lean ground beef

Brown until cooked through and no longer pink. Carefully pour off any fat.

Browned ground beef

Add the pasta, milk, water and spices and stir to combine.

I premeasure and mix the spices

Bring to a boil and turn the heat down to simmer.

Ready to simmer

Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Add the cheese and stir to combine.

Freshly grated cheese

 Serve immediately.

The bottom line: will I make this again? Yes. We have this about once a month. I mix and match the past, cheeses, and spices. The only limit is your imagination.