Description
A cozy, one-pot homemade Hamburger Helper that’s richer and creamier than the boxed version, with savory beef, tender pasta, and a perfectly cheesy sauce made completely from scratch.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (90/10 lean or less)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups beef broth
4 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoons tomato paste
8 ounces elbow macaroni, dry (about 2 cups)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, salt, ground mustard, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until mostly browned.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring. Add cream cheese, tomato paste, and dry macaroni, stirring until combined.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Mix cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for variety.
Vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, spinach, or bell peppers can be added.
Smoked paprika or chili flakes add extra depth or heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
