Homemade Hamburger Helper
This homemade hamburger helper is a quick and creamy one-pan comfort meal.
Ingredients
Beef Base
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Creamy Sauce and Pasta
- 2 cups hot water or broth
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 cups dry cavatappi or macaroni pasta
Finish
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and cornstarch. Stir well to evenly coat the beef.
- Pour in the hot water or broth and milk. Stir to combine, then add the dry pasta. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8–11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Remove the lid and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 2–5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Add a splash of milk if needed.
- Serve warm and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated cheese to ensure a smooth sauce. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition. If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a splash of milk to adjust consistency.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 526 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 99 mg
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Potassium: 442 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 1052 IU
- Vitamin C: 1 mg
- Calcium: 370 mg
- Iron: 3 mg