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Cozy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe with Easy Cheesy Tomato Sauce

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A quick and comforting homemade hamburger helper featuring a rich, tangy cheesy tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (about 410 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth (480 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 150 grams)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%, 240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Add more broth or water if sauce thickens too much before pasta is done.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Let rest for a couple minutes to thicken slightly, then serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor. Stir cheese in off heat to prevent graininess. Add broth or water if sauce thickens too much before pasta is cooked. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. For dairy-free, use coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, cheesy tomato sauce, comfort food, quick dinner, family meal, easy recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/cozy-homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe-with-easy-cheesy-tomato-sauce/