Description
This Family Hamburger Helper Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines ground beef, macaroni, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, offering a homemade twist on the classic boxed hamburger helper.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 carrot (diced)
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 green onion (sliced)
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Pasta
- 12 oz macaroni
Liquids & Sauces
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Spices & Seasonings
- 1.5 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Cheese
- 2.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add Spices and Sauces: Stir in the chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and hot sauce; stir to combine.
- Add Macaroni and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the macaroni pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Corn and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the corn and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese starts to melt and the casserole is creamy.
- Top and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to melt completely. Garnish with sliced green onion before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- For a creamier casserole, add a splash of milk or cream before adding the cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
