Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Bison (Homemade Hamburger Helper)
This Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Bison is a quick and hearty twist on homemade Hamburger Helper. Made with smoky cheddar, lean ground bison, and tender pasta, it’s the ultimate 30-minute comfort food dinner.
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- ½ green pepper chopped
- 2 gloves of garlic minced
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon
- 2 cups shredded apple smoked cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Bring water and salt to boil in a medium sauce pan. Add macaroni and boil uncovered for 12 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté onion, green pepper, and garlic in butter or olive oil for 2 minutes. Once the onion is translucent, transfer sautéed ingredients to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, brown ground bison over medium heat. Drain fat.
- Combine ground bison and sautéed ingredients. Add macaroni with the water to the skillet. Add tomato sauce, bouillon, and bring to a boil uncovered.
- Once the mixture is boiling, turn off heat. Sprinkle cheese on the top and cover until the cheese melts.
Notes
- Cheese: For the creamiest sauce, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded tends to melt grainy.
- Protein Swaps: Ground beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles also work.
- Veggies: Add diced jalapeños or swap bell peppers with roasted poblanos for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish GF-friendly.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 689mg | Potassium: 384mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 414IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 296mg | Iron: 3mg