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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Transform a pound of ground beef into something special with this Homemade Hamburger Helper. It’s a kid-friendly dish that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Author: Chris

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 8- ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups pasta shells
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until cooked through. Transfer to a plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of beef fat in the pan.
  • Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then add the flour and cook, stirring for about 1 minute.
  • Slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour in the tomato sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pasta, stirring to combine. Cover and sauté for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the heavy cream and shredded cheese and stir until the cheese is melted. Add the ground beef and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until hot throughout.
  • Season to taste, serve, and enjoy!