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Easy One-Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe from Scratch in 25 Minutes

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A quick and easy homemade hamburger helper made from scratch in one pot, ready in just 25 minutes. This comforting dish features ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheesy sauce without any processed mixes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (200g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups (720ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk)
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the ground beef, crumble it into the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavors.
  5. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to coat with the beef mixture.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and stir gently to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender but slightly firm. Add more broth or water if liquid evaporates too quickly.
  8. Lower heat to low and stir in the milk. Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

Use small pasta shapes like elbows or mini shells for best results. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth. Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor. If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of milk. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added milk or broth to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot meal, hamburger helper, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, creamy pasta, homemade hamburger helper

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/easy-one-pot-hamburger-helper-recipe-from-scratch-in-25-minutes/