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Homemade Hamburger Helper (One-Pot, 30 Minutes)

Homemade Hamburger Helper (One-Pot, 30 Minutes)
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This Homemade Hamburger Helper is everything you love about the classic box version—only better. It’s made from scratch in just one pot, packed with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and smothered in a rich, creamy tomato-cheese sauce. Quick, extra cheesy, and family-approved, this easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when comfort food is calling.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb 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 broth (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

  • In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.

  • Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

  • Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring well, and bring to a boil.

  • Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir to combine.

  • Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Add extra broth (¼–½ cup) if needed.

  • Stir in the cream and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

  • Return cooked ground beef to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

  • Remove from heat and let rest for 1–2 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Extra cheesy: Add an extra ½ cup of cheddar or mix in mozzarella.

  • Lighter option: Use ground turkey and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour.

  • Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-one-pot-30-minutes/