Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and cheesy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender pasta and savory ground beef in a rich tomato and cheese sauce, this comforting dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for a family-friendly dinner, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Remove and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the beef broth, bringing it to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Simmer covered for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Return the cooked beef to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Adjust the cheese type based on your preference for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 738 kcal per servin
