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+ servings
Melany

Healthier Homemade Hamburger Helper – No Box Needed!

Recreate the creamy, cheesy goodness of your childhood favorite with this healthier homemade hamburger helper. Made with real ingredients, this one-pot meal is quick, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or comforting dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Brown the Ground Beef
  1. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
  2. Remove the beef from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
  1. Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the Sauce Base
  1. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly.
  2. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Add Seasonings and Pasta
  1. Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Add the pasta, stirring to combine evenly.
Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
  1. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  2. If the mixture becomes too dry before the pasta is cooked, add ¼–½ cup of broth.
Add Cream and Cheese
  1. Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
  2. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine and Serve
  1. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and mix well.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

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