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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for a hearty family dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 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)

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Remove the cooked ground beef from the pan, leaving 2 tablespoons of the rendered grease in the pan, and set the beef aside.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Lower heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pan. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 30 seconds and sauté briefly.
  3. Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Combine Tomato Sauce, Seasonings, and Pasta: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Mix everything until evenly combined. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally, and if the noodles require more liquid, add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth as needed.
  5. Add Cream, Cheese, and Beef: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan, stirring it in and heating for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors and reheat the meat.
  6. Serve: Remove the pan from heat and let the dish rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting homemade Hamburger Helper!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of broth slightly or add more cheese towards the end.
  • Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance flavor and nutrition.
  • Use low-fat cheese and half and half to reduce calories and fat.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe/