Description
This homemade hamburger helper is a creamy, cheesy, one-skillet comfort food made entirely from scratch. Packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, real cheddar cheese, and rich seasonings, it’s a family-friendly dinner ready in just 30 minutes—no boxed mix required.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Brown Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season: Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in beef broth and milk. Add macaroni and stir well.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional garnish.
Notes
- Cheese tip: Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Extra creamy: Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers.
- Veggie boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or corn near the end.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Homemade Hamburger Helper, hamburger helper from scratch, ground beef pasta, cheesy beef skillet, easy family dinner