Homemade Hamburger Helper
This one-pan Homemade Hamburger Helper is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 or 90/10 blend)
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (Dry)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Freshly grated)
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1.5 cups Beef Broth
Seasoning and thickening
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika For color and depth
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Finely chopped) For garnish
Instructions
Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until you see no pink pieces. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Season
- After draining, sprinkle in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and flour. Stir together for about 1 minute to toast the spices and cook out the raw flour taste.
Simmer the Pasta
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth and whole milk until well combined. Add the dry elbow macaroni.
Cook Pasta
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.
Final Finish, Cheese Emulsion
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and gradually stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until everything is mixed well and a creamy cheese sauce forms.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce is glossy.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated cheese. Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain texture. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.