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homemade cheesy hamburger helper (not from a box)

(1 rating)
cyrene avatar
Recipe by
Linda Kauppinen
@cyrene
Greenwood, FL

I had the unfortunate event of someone giving my son hamburger helper from a box and he loved it. So, I had to do something about it and make it homemade from scratch, which actually tastes 100% better I think! My son can never get enough of it! Even at the age of 24!

(1 rating)
yield 4 to 6
prep time 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For homemade cheesy hamburger helper (not from a box)

  • 1 lb
    ground chuck
  • 2 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1 sm
    onion, diced
  • 1 stalk
    celery, diced
  • 1/2
    yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 4
    baby portabello mushrooms, sliced
  • 5
    plum tomatoes, diced
  • 1 - 2 pinch
    basil, dried / if fresh 1-2 leaves minced
  • kosher or sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
  • 1 c
    water
  • 1 c
    milk
  • 3 - 4
    handfuls of egg noodles or elbows (i prefer egg noodles)
  • 1 - 2 c
    mild cheddar cheese, shredded

How To Make homemade cheesy hamburger helper (not from a box)

  • 1
    in large skillet on medium heat, add your ground chuck, garlic, onion, celery, yellow bell pepper. Cook until meat is mostly browned about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain fat from pan leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  • 2
    Add to the pan mushrooms, tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Add 1 Cup water and 1 Cup milk. Bring to a boil.
  • 3
    Add 3 to 4 handfuls of egg noodles. Just enough that they are covered by the liquid in the pan. Simmer covered for 10 minutes.
  • 4
    Remove lid add cheddar cheese, mix well, cover and simmer an additional 3 or more minutes until cheese is melted and liquid thickens and reduces down. Stir frequently and do not allow to burn. Remove from heat and allow to rest 5 minutes for further thickening.
  • 5
    Chefs notes: You can add less or more cheese according to your own tastes. You can also substitute the beef with ground turkey If you would like to add a bit of bite to this.. or a nacho type flavor.. add some red pepper according to your tastes too!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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