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One-Pot 30-Minute Creamy Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper

A spoonful of creamy, cheesy homemade hamburger helper being lifted above a plate full of the dish.
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Make a quick, creamy, and cheesy ground beef pasta dish in one pot. This homemade hamburger helper recipe beats the boxed version and is ready in under 30 minutes for easy weeknight cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shape
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the dry pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a thick, cheesy sauce.
  7. Serve immediately as a family friendly dinner idea.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of 2% milk.
  • If the sauce is too thick after adding the cheese, stir in a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency for this creamy beef macaroni.
  • You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground sausage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe-30-min/