Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

One Skillet Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper brings all the flavors of cheeseburgers into one easy skillet recipe that is complete in 30 minutes. The best homemade version of hamburger helper ever.

Course main meal

Cuisine American

Keyword hamburger helper, homemade hamburger helper, homemade hamburger helper recipe, how to make hamburger helper, what is hamburger helper

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 686kcal

Author Beth Pierce

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground beef
½ medium onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 cups low sodium beef broth
1 15- ounce can tomato sauce
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
2 ½ cups uncooked medium shell pasta or elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley garnish

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the ground beef is about halfway through the browning process, add the onions and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute while stirring. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the paprika, crushed red pepper, low-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and pasta. Stir to combine the ingredients and to get the pasta down in the liquid.
Bring the dish to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the pasta is just tender, about 8-11 minutes, stirring several times.
Remove the dish from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese in several increments until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Use somewhat lean ground beef for this recipe. Substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken.
Any small pasta will work in this recipe, including elbow macaroni, medium shells, bowtie pasta, egg noodles, rotini, or mini penne.
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente. Mushy noodles break down when stirred and are not near as good.
Use good quality sharp cheddar cheese and shred it yourself with the fine side of a box grater.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power. Add a couple of splashes of heavy cream or milk to bring the dish back to its original creaminess.

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