Description
This Best Hamburger Helper recipe is a rich and creamy skillet dish featuring ground beef, tender pasta, and a cheesy sauce made with cheddar and cream cheese. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner, this homemade version uses simple ingredients and cooks all in one pan for an easy meal any family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbow)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and, if desired, add olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper to season the beef mixture evenly.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the uncooked short pasta until everything is well combined.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef.
- Serve and Garnish: Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the dish hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can swap the short pasta with your favorite shape, but avoid very large or thick varieties for even cooking.
- Using whole milk makes the sauce creamier, but low-fat milk can be used for a lighter option.
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning step.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hamburger helper, ground beef recipe, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, skillet meal
