Classic 90’s-Style Hamburger Helper
It’s 1995, and you’re in the 6th grade. You’ve just arrived home from the bus stop Friday after school. You take off your Walkman and bedazzled denim jean jacket off. From the kitchen, your mom calls out, “Hamburger Helper and TGIF on TV!”
I’m a millennial, so all the late 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s stuff really brings me a nostalgic comfort. I am not a food snob, and if you’ve got to pick up a box or two of Rice-a-Roni or Hamburger Helper, I say go for it. I wanted to come up with an easy version of that Hamburger Helper I loved so much as a kid, one made without the seasoning packet and that I could feel good about feeding my kiddos. They absolutely love this dish, and I always seem to make it on a Friday, just like when I was a kid. It’s September, it’s back-to-school, and I’m organizing meals that feel simple and wholesome. So, I say let’s try and skip the boxed stuff to make it from scratch. Your tastebuds and your family will thank you, I promise.
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes
Serves 4
1 red onion, finely chopped
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or A1 steak sauce (whatever your preference)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef (any ground meat works great)
3 cups wide egg noodles
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
2-3 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1. In a large skillet with a lid, caramelize the onion in the olive oil and tomato paste over medium to medium-high heat.
2. Add the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook until the sauce has condensed into the onion mixture.
3. Add the ground beef, then brown 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the noodles and beef broth. Stir to combine, then place the lid on and cook 8-12 minutes, depending on how done you prefer your noodles.
5. Once the noodles are ready, remove from the heat and stir the cheese and heavy cream into the mixture.
6. Serve with buttered toast for the ultimate 90’s throwback meal. Enjoy!
