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Homemade Beef Hamburger Helper

Homemade Beef Hamburger Helper
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This Homemade Beef Hamburger Helper recipe is a quick, hearty, and comforting meal that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich cheesy sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a family-friendly dish that is flavorful, creamy, and customizable. Skip the boxed versions and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Pasta

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes

Aromatics and Flavorings

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese (preferably freshly shredded)

Cooking Fat

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil or butter. Add ground beef and break it apart. Cook until evenly browned with no pink remaining, which adds rich flavor to the dish.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it to preserve warmth and depth.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and spices: Mix in tomato paste, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook for a minute or two to develop a rich, well-rounded sauce base.
  4. Add broth, pasta, and milk: Pour in beef broth and milk, then stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Finish with cheese: Remove the lid and off the heat, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that completes the dish.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better meltability and creaminess.
  • Monitor pasta cooking closely to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
  • Season gradually, tasting during cooking to adjust flavor balance.
  • Deglaze the pan with broth or water after browning beef to lift flavorful browned bits.
  • Cover while cooking pasta to speed up cooking and retain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, beef pasta skillet, cheesy beef pasta, easy comfort food, quick weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/homemade-beef-hamburger-helper/