Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a creamy, cheesy, one-pan dinner that recreates the comfort of the boxed favorite with tender pasta, seasoned beef, and a rich tomato cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or shell pasta works best)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, milk, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and 2% milk.
- You can substitute whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired (note: gluten-free pasta may require slightly different cooking times).
- Stir in a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Homemade Hamburger Helper, creamy pasta, beef pasta, one-pan dinner, weeknight meal, comforting dinner