Homemade Hamburger Helper

overhead photo of a pink pot of cheesy hamburger helper

5 Stars (1 Review)

Yield: 4 servings

prep time: 10

cook time: 20

total time: 30

An easy and much better version of the nostalgic boxed meal - with simple spices, sharp cheddar, and a touch of cream that makes the most irresistible creamy-cheesy sauce!

Ingredients

1 pound 80/20 ground beef
1 cup finely diced yellow onion
¼ cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder (reduce to ½ teaspoon if you don't want noticeable heat)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cups beef broth
8 ounces (about 1¾ cup) uncooked small elbow macaroni
½ cup heavy cream
8 ounces (about 2 cups) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet with tall sides, over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion. Stir occasionally, breaking up the beef into small bites. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, 8-10 minutes. Spoon off and discard any fat.
Add tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute, until evenly incorporated and fragrant.
Stir in beef broth, increase heat to medium-high, and bring mixture to a boil. Then stir in macaroni, reduce heat to medium/medium-low, and cover skillet with lid. The mixture should be at a lively medium simmer. Stir occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes or so.
Stir in cream; let it warm up for 1 minute.
Remove skillet from heat, add cheese, and stir until fully incorporated. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving - this lets the sauce thicken a bit, for the perfect creamy-cheesy texture.
Love this recipe? Please leave a Stars Rating and a Comment below! Thank you so much! - Brenda

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If desired, add a splash of water, beef broth, or milk to loosen up leftovers when reheating.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 879kcal Carbohydrates: 53g Protein: 44g Fat: 54g Saturated Fat: 27g Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 17g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 171mg Sodium: 1849mg Potassium: 857mg Fiber: 4g Sugar: 6g Vitamin A: 1530IU Vitamin C: 7mg Calcium: 484mg Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.

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