Description
This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a delicious, comforting meal that combines browned ground beef with flavorful spices, tender elbow macaroni, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and serves 8 people. Garnished with fresh parsley, it offers a hearty, cheesy pasta meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
Spices and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup tomato paste (3 ounces)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth, plus extra water if needed
- ⅓ cup milk (or any dairy liquid)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces dried elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the grated garlic, dried oregano, paprika, and tomato paste. Sauté the mixture for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the tomato paste to slightly caramelize.
- Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour a splash of beef broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then add the remaining beef broth along with the dried elbow macaroni, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, adding extra water or broth as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the dish warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer if elbow macaroni is unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of beef broth or water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- For a creamier texture, feel free to increase the milk quantity or add a splash of cream.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice color and freshness to the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
