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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

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If you’re in search of a quick, delicious meal that the entire family will adore, this Homemade Hamburger Helper is your answer! This creamy and cheesy one-pot recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It features a hearty blend of ground beef and pasta, enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for more. Plus, it’s completely customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or experiment with different cheeses. With minimal cleanup required, you can focus on enjoying your time with loved ones. Get ready to make this comforting dish a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (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
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Remove from the pan but retain about 2 tablespoons of grease.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and sauté diced onions until soft, about five minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional thirty seconds.
  3. Stir in flour for one minute before gradually adding beef broth while mixing to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil to thicken the sauce.
  4. Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir well; cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef, allowing everything to heat through.

Nutrition