Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, all cooked together to create a delicious and filling meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Dry Goods and Spices
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Canned and Dairy Products
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, or half and half
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Liquid and Seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth
Additional Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Meat: In a large sauté pan with a lid, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Remove the cooked beef and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. During the last 30 seconds, add the minced garlic and cook fragrant.
- Add Flour and Create a Base: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, and bring to a boil.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Mix in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover with a lid and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If necessary, add an extra ¼ to ½ cup broth to prevent sticking or if noodles are not fully cooked.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and blend flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of broth to loosen when reheating.
- Feel free to substitute the pasta with gluten-free options if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
