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Homemade Hamburger Helper

A comforting, creamy pasta dish made with ground beef, ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main 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 or chicken broth
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 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)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once fully cooked, remove the beef and set aside, keeping 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
  2. Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pan. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds.
  3. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to cook it for about 1 minute, then slowly pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and the pasta. Stir to combine.
  5. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  6. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream and cheese until everything is melted and creamy. Return the ground beef to the pan and heat through for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Let it rest for a minute or two so the sauce can thicken, then serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or light coleslaw for balance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator; it also freezes well for 2-3 months.