Description
This homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper is healthier, tastier, and made with real ingredients. Loaded with lean beef, pasta, and cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate one-pan comfort food for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
Produce:
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
Canned Goods:
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Pasta & Grains:
- 8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta
Baking & Spices:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics:
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Seasonings and Flour:
- Sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and a pinch of black pepper over the meat mixture. Stir well to coat.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta:
- Pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
4. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has thickened slightly.
5. Finish with Cheese and Cream:
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make It Healthier: Use whole-grain pasta or gluten-free pasta if preferred. You can also replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
