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Cozy Homemade Hamburger Helper

A comforting and creamy one-pot dish that combines ground meat and pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (or your choice of ground meat) Can substitute with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups pasta (your preferred type) Small pasta shapes like shells or macaroni work well.
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works wonderfully!)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is soft, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef to the pot, cooking until browned. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring for about 1 minute to incorporate and remove the raw flour taste.
  • Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Add the pasta, stirring to ensure it is submerged. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
  • Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Serve immediately, garnishing with additional cheese or herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach while sautéing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly, Hamburger Helper, One-Pot Meal