Hillbilly Hamburger Helper
A hearty, no-fuss one-skillet meal made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich, cheesy sauce—just like the classic boxed version, but with real ingredients and down-home flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food with a country twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 Pounds ground meat
- 6 Cups noodles of your choice
- 4 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 Onion chopped or 1 tablespoon onion flakes
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 3 Tablespoons lard/butter/olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons flour/cornstarch
- 3 Cups shredded cheese
- 3 to 4 Cups milk
- Salt & Pepper
Directions:
-
Cook the Noodles:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your noodles according to package directions. We especially enjoy using the sea shell noodles from Azure Standard for this dish. Drain and set aside. -
Brown the Meat:
In a separate skillet (cast iron is perfect for this), brown the ground beef over medium heat. When it’s about halfway cooked, add the diced onion (or onion flakes) and smoked paprika. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Sauté the Garlic:
In a large Dutch oven, heat your choice of lard, butter, or olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to brown it. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Sprinkle in the flour or cornstarch and stir to coat the garlic, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk to avoid lumps. Stir until smooth, then add the shredded cheese and mix until fully melted into a creamy sauce. -
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked noodles and browned meat mixture into the cheese sauce. Stir to combine well. -
Simmer for Flavor:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the noodles soak up that rich, meaty flavor. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Cooking Club Resources
Here and on my website, you’ll find the Cooking Club Resources – the utensils, items, baking equipment that I use and love.
Apple peeler for potatoes & apples
Stainless Steel Cookie Cutters/Biscuit Circle Cutters
Favorite Muffin Liners Unbleached
Mixing Bowls w Lids – Stainless Steel
Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer Classic
Braun Blender (not the exact one in video)
Food Processor (13 Cup Kitchen Aid)
