Description
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this Homemade Hamburger Helper is a one-pot dinner ready in just 30 minutes. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor—better than any boxed mix!
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta
½ cup heavy cream or half and half
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until browned, then set aside and keep 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
2. Lower heat to medium and cook onion until soft (about 5 minutes), then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add flour, stir for 1 minute, then gradually mix in broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta. Simmer covered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. If needed, add ¼ to ½ cup more broth as pasta cooks.
6. Stir in cream and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Return cooked beef, mix well, and heat for 2–3 minutes.
8. Let rest briefly before serving for best texture.
Notes
Best served fresh as pasta absorbs liquid over time.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 738
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1261mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 160mg