Creamy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Name: Creamy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup milk; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste

A nostalgic and comforting one pot meal that tastes so much better than the boxed version.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 18, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

20 minutes

Total

30 minutes

Serves

There is something truly special about a meal that comes together in one pan. This cheesy beef and pasta dish is a favorite in my house because it is hearty and takes so little time to put together after a long day.

My biggest tip for this recipe is to use a good quality cheddar cheese that you grate yourself. Pre shredded cheese has additives that keep it from melting perfectly, and fresh cheese makes the sauce extra smooth and delicious.

🧺 Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium high heat until the meat is fully cooked through.
2
Drain any excess fat from the pan and add the minced garlic, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
3
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, beef broth, and milk.
4
Add the dry pasta to the pan and stir everything to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a light boil, then turn the heat down to low and cover with a lid.
6
Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it is melted and creamy.
8
Season with salt and pepper to your preference and serve warm.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the pasta seems a little dry when you reheat it, just add a tiny splash of milk or water to bring the creamy texture back.

#comfort food #pasta #ground beef #one pot meal #easy dinner

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