Recipe of the Week: Homemade Hamburger Helper

Here’s a simple recipe for all those post-high school kids out there, learning how to cook for themselves daily. Easy and delicious, this will be one for the repertoire.

Homemade Hamburger Helper
recipe abridged from Cooking Meat

Serves 6

1 Tbsp + 1 tsp salt (divided)
1 Tbsp cooking oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola all work)
1 medium onion, roughly diced
½ tsp pepper to taste
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 Tbsp paprika
1 lb pasta of your choice (small noodles work best)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 can (10 oz) chopped tomatoes
3 Tbsp sour cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
½ bunch green onion, chopped

Method:

1. Fill a large pot with water, add the 1 Tbsp of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.

2. While the water is coming to a boil, set your biggest saucepan or frying pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil. When the oil is hot (it will spread quickly if you tilt the pan), add the onion, 1 tsp of salt, and pepper. Turn down the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the onion to cook, stirring every minute or so, for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes.

3. Add the beef and turn up the heat to medium. Using a spoon, mash the beef with a spoon so it browns all over. Stir in the paprika and cook, uncovered, for 8 minutes or until beef is no longer red.

4. When the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and stir. Cook according to the directions on the package.

5. To the beef mixture, add the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Stir and cook for 10 minutes.

6. To check the pasta for doneness, use a slotted spoon to remove a noodle from the pot and rinse it under cold water. If it is al dente, or cooked as you like it, drain the pasta in a colander. Set aside.

7. Stir the sour cream into the beef mixture and turn down the heat to low. Stir until the beef is well coated and saucy, then add the cheese and the drained pasta, stirring well to allow the cheese to melt into the sauce.

8. To serve, scoop the hamburger helper into a large serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped green onions.