Hamburger Helper Recipe
Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot recipe delivers a hearty meal with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce that’s irresistibly cheesy. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need comfort food that pleases the whole family.
Print
Pin
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta equivalent to half a standard 1lb box
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once cooked, set it aside, retaining 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and sauté the diced onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour, cooking it for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Incorporate the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Mix thoroughly, bring to a simmer, and cover with a lid. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If needed, add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth to prevent drying out.
- Pour in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted completely. Return the ground beef to the pan and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Double Batch: For larger families, double or triple the recipe using a deep pot or Dutch oven.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch in place of flour. Add extra broth and adjust cooking time for the pasta.
- Add Spice: For a spicier version, include crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Alternatively, stir in a can of Hot Rotel for a Tex-Mex twist.