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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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3.8 from 24 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender pasta shells cooked in a savory tomato and cheese sauce with ground beef and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner, it combines creamy cheese, hearty beef, and flavorful spices all in one easy-to-make skillet dish.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 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

Pasta

  • 8 oz small pasta shells (or small elbow pasta)

Dairy

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Additional

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of the rendered grease in the pan for flavor.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds to avoid burning and to release fragrant flavors.
  3. Create the Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, then bring the mixture to a boil to start thickening the sauce.
  4. Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta shells. Stir well to combine everything. Cover the pan with a lid and let simmer over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally and add additional broth (1/4 to 1/2 cup) if the pasta absorbs too much liquid and isn’t fully cooked.
  5. Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Beef: Mix in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is rich and creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. Remove from the heat and allow the dish to rest for a couple of minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly or let the dish rest longer uncovered before serving.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your broth’s sodium level.
  • Adding a bit of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan can enhance the cheesy flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead; consider adding mushrooms or lentils for protein.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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