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close up of a bowl full of homemade hamburger helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This easy homemade Hamburger Helper is a creamy, cheesy one-pan dinner made with ground beef, elbow pasta, and pantry staples. A from-scratch twist on the classic boxed favorite—ready in just 30 minutes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp. flour
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups beef broth or beef bouillon mixed with 2 cups of water
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream
  • 8 oz of small pasta pf your choice macaroni, shells etc.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven or Large Pot
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Cheese Grater

Method
 

  1. In a large dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Remove the ground beef once cooked and set aside.
  2. Add 2 tbsp of butter in the dutch oven and add the diced onion, cook on medium low until translucent. Once done, add the minced garlic and saute for 2 more minutes.
  3. Add the 2 tbsp of flour and stir.
  4. Slowly add the beef broth, tomato sauce seasonings and pasta stir well to combine.
  5. Simmer with lid on cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
  6. Once pasta is tender add in the cream and cheddar cheese, stir until melted.
  7. Add any vegetables if you'd like. This is optional but adds flavor and nutrition.
  8. Add ground beef back into pasta mixture stir well to combine and enjoy!