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Easy Cheesy One Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick, cheesy, and comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (90% lean recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in paprika, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to let flavors bloom.
  4. Pour in beef broth and milk. Scrape browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then stir in uncooked elbow macaroni.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, and stir until melted and creamy. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Brown the beef properly for best flavor and drain excess fat to keep sauce creamy. Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Use a lid to cook pasta evenly. Add more broth or milk if pasta is undercooked or sauce is too thick. Freshly shred cheese for better melt and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot meal, hamburger helper, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/easy-cheesy-one-pot-hamburger-helper-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/