Homemade Hamburger Helper
A homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper, made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz small pasta shells (or small elbow pasta) 8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta.
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Remove the cooked beef, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease.
- Cook the onion over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Stir in beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta. Simmer, covered, for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cream and cheese until melted. Add back the ground beef and cook for 2-3 minutes more. Serve immediately.
Notes
Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the amount of cheese to your liking.