Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper: a creamy, cheesy one-pan dinner that brings back nostalgic comfort while tasting fresher and more flavorful than the boxed version.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain excess fat.
- Add seasoning: Stir in garlic, paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in beef broth, milk, and uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy immediately — total comfort in a bowl!
Notes
- To lighten this dish, use lean ground beef and skim milk.
- Switch cheese to Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different melt and bite.
- Cook pasta until just shy of al dente; the sauce will finish cooking as it rests.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free elbow pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Homemade Hamburger Helper, creamy pasta, beef and pasta, one-pan dinner, cheesy hamburger helper, comfort food