Homemade Hamburger Helper (You’ll never buy boxed again!)

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You may want to dine gourmet every day, but do you want to cook that way? I don’t think so, at least I don’t, and I think I’m speaking for more people rather than just me. But, with simple tweaks, you can enhance and enrich the flavors of even the simplest dishes, and make your comfort home cooking seem so much more special.

One of the ways in which I like to enhance the taste of almost anything made with beef is through the inclusion of freshly brewed, strong coffee. This simple, ubiquitous ingredient is one of the best flavor answers that you can imagine; it’s no doubt one of the cheapest. I’ve used it here in this homemade version of hamburger helper, and thoroughly enjoyed my blast-from-my-past comfort food. Don’t ever buy the boxed mix again; save yourself from all of those harsh chemicals and preservatives!

Homemade Hamburger Helper
(You’ll never buy boxed again!)

1 lb. ground chuck
1 T. Ketchup
1 t. Dijon Mustard
1 t. Frank’s Hot Sauce
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. onion powder
½ t. Montreal Steak Seasoning
½ t. salt
½ t. freshly ground black pepper
1½ c. uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
2½ c. beef broth
1 c. freshly brewed coffee
1/2 c. sour cream (Do not use Light)
4 slices American cheese, torn into pieces
2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese

Cook beef in a large skillet over medium high heat until no longer pink. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and return to pan.

Reduce heat to low and add ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, seasonings, macaroni, broth, and coffee to the pan and stir well to combine.

Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until macaroni is cooked through.

Remove pan from heat and stir in the sour cream.

Return the pan to the warm burner and stir in the cheeses until well combined.