The Frugal Gourmet's Southern Barbecue Sauce

homemade hamburger helper



Hamburger helper is a classic comfort food that many of us grew up eating. But did you know that you can make it at home, and it's even better than the store-bought version? This recipe is easy to follow and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Plus, you can customize it to your own taste by adding different vegetables or spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed beef broth

  • 1 (15-ounce) package elbow macaroni

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.

  2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.

  4. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, and macaroni to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.

  5. Stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until melted.

  6. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

  • To add extra vegetables, stir in a chopped green pepper or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

  • If you like a spicier dish, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

  • Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables or a salad.

Variations

  • Beef Stroganoff: Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.

  • Macaroni and Cheese: Add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.

  • Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute 1 pound shredded chicken for the ground beef. Add 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning to the skillet with the chicken. Cook according to the directions on the taco seasoning packet.

Conclusion

Homemade hamburger helper is a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. It's also a great way to use up leftover ground beef. So next time you're looking for a delicious and comforting meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!


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