Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta dinner made from scratch—no box required! This easy weeknight meal delivers all the nostalgia of the classic but with real ingredients, bold flavor, and quick cleanup. Perfect for busy families and comforting enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Olive oil or butter
- Yellow onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Milk
- Elbow macaroni or small pasta
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
-
Stir in onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
-
Add tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat.
-
Pour in beef broth and milk, then stir in uncooked pasta.
-
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
-
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
-
Let sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Stir in veggies like peas, spinach, or chopped bell pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta and broth for a gluten-free version.
- Try Monterey Jack or Colby instead of cheddar for a different twist.
