Description
A creamy, cheesy, one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich cheddar sauce. This homemade version of the nostalgic comfort food classic Hamburger Helper is made from scratch with simple ingredients, delivering a delicious and satisfying meal without the boxed mix.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
Cheese & Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook and stir for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, milk, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts fully and forms a creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness and color. Serve this rich, cheesy hamburger helper hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese when you add the cheddar cheese.
- Swap cheddar for a mix of Colby Jack or mozzarella to vary the flavor profile.
- Add frozen peas or corn at the end of cooking for a boost of vegetables and color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
