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Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Comforting Delight

Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Comforting Delight

A symphony of flavors — lean ground beef dances with aromatic onions, garlic, and a tantalizing medley of spices in this mouthwatering homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 455
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium-sized onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening
  • 6 cups beef stock
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1 pound pasta shells
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups baby spinach

Method
 

  1. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  2. Pour in the beef stock, tomato sauce, and whole milk.
  3. Add the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
  4. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.