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Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper in One Pot Recipe

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3.8 from 3 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta shells and savory ground beef are smothered in a rich, creamy tomato and cheesy sauce, creating a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein and Vegetables

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

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta

  • 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta

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 cooked ground beef from the pan and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of the grease in the pan for flavor.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add the diced onion to the pan, and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking to release its aroma.
  3. Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly to cook the flour for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, and bring the mixture to a boil to thicken.
  4. Add Tomato and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and the pasta. Stir everything to combine well.
  5. Simmer Pasta: Cover the pan and reduce heat to a simmer. Let cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is cooked, add an additional ¼ to ½ cup of broth to prevent sticking and ensure proper cooking.
  6. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
  7. Reheat Ground Beef: Add the reserved ground beef back to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through evenly.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and let the dish rest for a minute or two to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness slightly.
  • Ensure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Additional broth may be needed depending on the pasta type and brand, so keep extra broth on hand.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily for larger families or meal prep.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/homemade-cheesy-hamburger-helper-in-one-pot-recipe/