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Delicious homemade hamburger helper with ground beef and creamy cheddar sauce.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

A quick and creamy beefy comfort meal made in one pan, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef (preferably 85/15) Use lean ground beef to avoid greasiness.
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped Add flavor to the dish.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Cook quickly to enhance flavor.
  • 2 cups Small pasta shapes (e.g. macaroni, small shells, rotini) These cook evenly and grab the sauce.
  • 2 cups Broth (beef or chicken) Builds savory flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Makes the dish creamy.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Use fresh shredded cheese for best results.
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp Paprika Adds flavor.
  • 1 tsp Mustard powder Optional, adds depth.
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Taste before adding, as broth can be salty.
  • 1/4 tsp Chili flakes Optional for heat.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it's well cooked and not just gray.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for a few minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and all the seasonings. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds to enhance the flavor.
  4. Add the pasta, broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. If the mixture looks too thick before the pasta is tender, add more broth or water as needed.
  6. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let it sit for a minute to thicken.

Notes

Rest the dish for 2 minutes before serving for best texture. Add veggies or try different cheeses for variations.