Homemade Hamburger Helper

Make this easy homemade hamburger helper, one of my childhood favorites, using simple ingredients. Cheesy pasta and saucy beef come together in an easy one pot dinner the whole family will love!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 487kcal

Author Sherri Hagymas

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion diced
2-3 garlic cloves minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for spice (optional)
3 cups beef broth low sodium
2 cups macaroni pasta uncooked
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot or dutch oven, add the grounded beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned, stirring and breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
1 pound lean ground beef
Drain the grease into a colander over a bowl and place the drained meat in a bowl.
In the same pot, add the onions and reduce to medium heat. Sauté for 3-5 minutes just until the onions become translucent and soften.
1 onion
Then add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
2-3 garlic cloves
Return the cooked beef back into the pot and add the tomato paste, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine completely.
3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Slowly add in the beef broth and stir until combined.
3 cups beef broth
Increase the heat to high and to a boil. Then add in the macaroni noodles.
2 cups macaroni pasta
Reduce the heat down to a low and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta reaches desired doneness, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat and then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated cheese and stir until melted
½ cup heavy cream, 2 cups cheddar cheese
Season with a little salt and pepper.
Salt and pepper

Notes

Use ground turkey or ground chicken.

Use a different noodle like shells, penne pasta, egg noodles or curly fusilli noodles.

Use another type of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey jack or Colby jack or a blend of couple of cheeses.

Add in some favorite veggies like green peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or red bell peppers.

Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Swap the Italian seasoning for ½ teaspoon of basil and ½ teaspoon of oregano.

Shred the cheese off a block instead of using pre shredded packaged cheeses for the creamiest melting cheese. The prepackaged cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as well.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition