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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring tender pasta shells cooked in a rich tomato and cheesy sauce with seasoned ground beef. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect family-friendly dinner that combines savory spices, creamy cheese, and hearty beef for a satisfying twist on a classic convenience dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 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 (or small elbow pasta)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a large sauté pan with a lid, heat over medium-high and cook the ground beef until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of the rendered grease in the pan.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. In the last 30 seconds, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly to release the flavor.
  3. Create the base: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil, creating a thickened base.
  4. Cook pasta in sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Mix well to combine. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Add extra broth (1/4 to 1/2 cup) if the liquid reduces too much before pasta is cooked.
  5. Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. Reheat beef and finish: Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm through. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a couple minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter creamy sauce.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
  • Adding extra broth during the pasta cooking helps prevent the dish from drying out.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms during the onion step for added nutrition.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe-2/