Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef simmered with pasta and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Easily customizable and perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers rich flavors without any pre-packaged mixes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 2 cups hot water (or beef broth or chicken broth)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Pasta
- 2 cups dry cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles
Cheese
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula or spoon. Cook and stir until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Add spices and liquids: Sprinkle cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper evenly over the beef. Stir well to combine. Pour in the hot water, milk, and add the dry pasta. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 8 to 11 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese and finish: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the cooked pasta and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to stand for a few minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve and garnish: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Adding veggies: For added nutrition and variety, consider mixing in chopped bell peppers, green beans, or other vegetables while simmering the pasta.
- Substitutions: Use different pasta shapes such as shells or macaroni. You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Protein or gluten-free pastas work well for dietary preferences.
