I loved Hamburger Helper growing up as a kid. I think that part of the appeal was that it was quick and I could make it myself. As an adult, Hamburger Helper and I have drifted apart. I try to avoid processed food as much as possible. I mean would you choose something with a powdered cheese packet over real shredded cheese? I wouldn’t. Instead of making it from a box, try making it from scratch. For just the littlest amount of effort and time, you can make your very own Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper at home.
This Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper is a fantastic family dinner. Or a solo dinner, hey I’m not judging. I had been asking my husband if he wanted hamburger helper for dinner for 2 whole days and he hadn’t signed off. So when I knew that he was going to be getting home late from work one night, I decided to make it.
I had seriously been craving it for weeks and couldn’t wait to finish photographing it so I could devour it. I had really considered not telling my husband that I had made it and ran through in my mind all of the other quick dinners that I could make him before he got home. I didn’t want to share. But I did. 🙄 And he had two giant bowls. Thankfully, it’s super quick and easy to make so I’ll just have to make some more and keep it all for myself. (Insert evil laugh)
Let me show you how I made this Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper 👇🏻
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add 1 Lb of lean ground beef and 1 cup of finely diced onion.
Break up the beef as it cooks and cook until the beef is no longer pink. If there is more than a tablespoon or two of fat in the skillet, drain it off.
Add 3 large finely minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Now add 1 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1 tsp ground mustard, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Stir until the beef is well coated in the spices and then add 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 1 cup of milk, 1 tbsp of tomato paste, and 8 oz of pasta. (You can use any pasta that you like. I used shells.) Give everything a good stir.
Bring to a boil, Cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the skillet to simmer until the pasta is al dente. The cooking time will depend on your selection of pasta, should take anywhere from 10-15 minutes.
When the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has cooked off, remove the lid, and turn off the heat. Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream. This is optional, but I would recommend it. It gives the pasta a nice extra creaminess to it.
Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.
Top the pasta with fresh chopped parsley (optional) and serve while hot.
Divide into bowls and devour!
And there you have it, Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper. Enjoy!!
These are some of the recommended products that I used to create this delicious recipe. These are not only products that I use, but products that I love.
Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Cup Sweet Onion, finely diced
- 3 Large Garlic Cloves, finely minced
- 1 Tbsp Paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
- Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Tsp Ground Mustard
- 2 1/2 Cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 8 Oz Uncooked Pasta
- 1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1/4 Cup Heavy Cream (optional)
- Fresh Chopped Parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the ground beef as it cooks. Cook until the ground beef is cooked and no longer pink. If there is more than a tablespoon or two of fat in the skillet, drain it off.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Now add the paprika, salt, pepper, dried parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground mustard. Stir until the spices are well mixed.
- Add the beef broth, milk, tomato paste, pasta, and stir. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until the pasta is al dente (cooking time will depend on pasta selection- should take about 10-15 minutes).
- When the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has cooked off, remove lid, and turn off the heat to the skillet. Add the heavy cream, if using, and the cheddar cheese. Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve while hot. Enjoy!
Welcome to Cupcakes and Sarcasm! My name is Maggie and I am the creator of C & S. I am a wife and mom of two beautiful kiddos. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio and now live in Northeast Ohio with my family. I have been cooking and baking since I was a kid. I decided in 2017 that I wanted to share my passion (and recipes) with all of you! On this site, you’ll find easy and delicious recipes- both savory and sweet. I’ll also sprinkle in some stories of parenting and our adventures along the way.
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