Description
Hamburger helper delivers classic comfort with cheesy, savory goodness. This one-pan meal makes busy nights easier.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Dice 1 whole onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Mince 2 garlic cloves and add to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Break meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon and cook at 375°F for 6-7 minutes until completely browned.
- Drain excess fat from the meat using a colander. Return meat to the skillet.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper over the meat. Stir to coat evenly.
- Pour 1 cup beef broth into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
- Add 2 cups elbow macaroni and 1 cup milk to the skillet. Stir to combine ingredients.
- Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and check pasta for tenderness. If needed, cook for additional 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
- Always drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and keep the dish light.
- Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version that still delivers rich flavor.
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant, aromatic taste in your Hamburger Helper.
- For a gluten-free adaptation, swap regular pasta with chickpea or gluten-free pasta to maintain the dish’s hearty character.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: One-Skillet
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg