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Bowl of homemade hamburger helper with cheesy sauce and macaroni topped with parsley.
Paula

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is the only cheesy beef pasta skillet you'll ever need on a busy weeknight.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Portionen
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 501
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended for best flavor
  • 1½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup whole milk full-fat gives the creamiest sauce
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes blended smooth
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • ½ cup yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Seasoning Blend
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked paprika adds extra depth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
Optional Add-Ins
  • 2 oz cream cheese makes the sauce extra silky and rich
  • ½ cup diced green bell pepper adds color and a gentle crunch
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce deep, savory backbone
  • Hot sauce to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 teaspoon.
  2. Add minced garlic to the meat mixture and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the seasoning blend and Worcestershire sauce (if using), and cook until aromatic.
  3. Pour in beef broth, whole milk, and tomato sauce, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in the elbow macaroni and ensure it's submerged.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese in batches until melted, adding cream cheese if using for extra creaminess.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.