Hamburger Helper Style Pasta
Beef mince, macaroni, cheddar and a creamy seasoned sauce cooked together in one pan for 20 minutes.
Making Hamburger Helper Style Pasta Ahead
Keeps in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Hamburger Helper Style Pasta: The Method
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Brown the mince in a deep pan for 8 minutes, draining off excess fat. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt.
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Pour in the milk and stock, bring to a simmer and add the macaroni.
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Cook for 12 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
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Stir in the cheddar, mustard and ketchup. Stand for 3 minutes.
Worth Knowing
- Brown the mince properly.
- Stir often so the pasta does not stick.
- If your hob runs hot, check at 10 minutes.
- Rest before serving.
Why the Method Is What It Is
The boxed version is a pantry classic, and the homemade one is better in every way: fewer additives, a real cheese sauce and a flavour that tastes of beef instead of powder. It is also quick to make.
Brown the mince in a large, deep pan until no pink remains, drain off any excess fat and season with garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Brown it properly, until it takes some colour, since grey mince makes a dull dinner.
Pour in the milk and stock, bring to a simmer and add the macaroni. Cook, stirring often, for 12 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce. If your hob runs hot, check at 10 minutes, as the sauce catches easily.
Stir in the cheddar until melted, and add mustard and ketchup if you like a tangier flavour. Let it stand for 3 minutes. The sauce thickens as it cools.
What to Put Next to It
Green beans · Garlic bread · Coleslaw · Sweetcorn
Quick Answers
How long does Hamburger Helper Style Pasta take to make?
About 25 minutes in total — 5 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.
What are the key tips for making Hamburger Helper Style Pasta?
Brown the mince properly. Stir often so the pasta does not stick. If your hob runs hot, check at 10 minutes. Rest before serving.
What should I serve with Hamburger Helper Style Pasta?
Green beans; Garlic bread; Coleslaw; Sweetcorn.
How should Hamburger Helper Style Pasta be stored?
Keeps in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Is Hamburger Helper Style Pasta suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is high-protein and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Hamburger Helper Style Pasta?
About 801 kcal per serving, with 50 g protein, 58 g carbohydrate and 41 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Hamburger Helper Style Pasta Nutrition
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.
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