If you were a kid in the ’80s, you probably remember the Hamburger Helper mascot—that overly enthusiastic, four-fingered glove who somehow convinced everyone that dried pasta and powdered seasoning were dinnertime magic. That little guy really knew how to wave people toward a skillet full of ground beef like it was a five-star meal.
But let’s be honest: as much as we love a good nostalgia trip, sometimes you want the real deal. Enter: this homemade version, the ultimate comfort food. It’s got all the comforting vibes of the classic Hamburger Helper, minus the mystery powder. Ground beef? Check. Pasta? You bet. Cheesy, saucy goodness that makes you feel like a kid again? Oh yeah.
So go ahead, take a bite and let the memories flood in. Just don’t expect a creepy glove to show up at your dinner table—this one’s all you.
Want more comfort food? Try this one-pot chili recipe or some sheet pan lasagna!
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Dan-O's Spicy Seasoning (you can use Original if you don't want a spicy kick)
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz large elbow macaroni
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 lb American cheese slices
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Chopped green onion to serve
Preparation Instructions
- In a large pot on medium heat, add 1 tbsp cooking oil and the ground beef and onion. Mix in 1 tbsp Dan-O's Spicy Seasoning and cook, stirring, until the beef is cooked through and the onion is softened, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring, about 1 minute.
- Next add the beef broth, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and 2 tbsp Dan-O's Spicy Seasoning. Bring this all to a simmer and add the pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in all your cheese until it's fully melted and creamy.
- Serve and sprinkle with green onion, parsley, more cheese, sour cream...whatever you want to do!
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