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Close-up of a bowl of homemade hamburger helper, showing shell pasta in a creamy, cheesy, and ground beef sauce.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

A comforting homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper, packed with savory flavors and cheesy goodness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan; remove and set aside, reserving 2 tbsp grease.
  2. Cook the onion until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in flour, then slowly add broth and bring to a boil. Add tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta; simmer until pasta is tender, adding broth if needed.
  4. Mix in cream and cheese until melted, then reheat beef for 2-3 minutes. Rest briefly before serving.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, add a splash more cream or cheese.