Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting weeknight meal featuring lean ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce all cooked together in one pan. Perfect for an easy dinner that satisfies the whole family with classic flavors and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz small pasta shells
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat and grease in the pan for added flavor.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion to the same pan and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Prepare the sauce base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually pour in the low-sodium beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil to thicken the sauce.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and small pasta shells. Cover the pan and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add dairy and finish: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and combine well. Heat everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and improve the healthiness of the dish.
- Small pasta shells work best as they cook evenly and hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with elbow macaroni or other small pasta shapes.
- If preferred, reduce or omit the heavy cream for a lighter version and substitute with milk or a dairy alternative.
- Be sure to stir occasionally when simmering pasta to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve larger families or for meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
