Homemade Hamburger Helper

Total Time Prep: 10 min. Cook: 30 min.
Yield 6 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This one-pot homemade Hamburger Helper tastes just like the store-bought version, but without the additives and preservatives. It's a tried-and-true family favorite that's rich, creamy and totally comforting.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 pound uncooked short-cut pasta
  • 2-1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook until slightly soft, 2-3 minutes. Add ground beef, salt, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, pepper and mustard. Cook until evenly brown, breaking up into small crumbles as it cooks, 8-10 minutes.
  2. Stir in tomato paste; cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Stir in uncooked pasta, broth and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat; simmer 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring often.
  3. While cooking over low heat, stir in cream. Slowly add cheese, stirring until completely melted. Divide among bowls; garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 704 calories, 33g fat (16g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1073mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.

I love to create homemade versions of store-bought classics, like this Hamburger Helper recipe. It's ready in under 30 minutes and is made in a single pot—and it's every bit as delicious as the original without the mystery ingredients. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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