Hamburger Helper Recipe

Overhead Image Of Easy Hamburger Helper in a Pot – One-Pot Comfort Food

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This one-pot homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is extra cheesy, ultra creamy, and ready in 30 minutes! Tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich sauce make it a guaranteed family favorite.

Prep Time15

Cook Time12

Total Time27

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easiest hamburger helper, Hamburger Helper, hamburger helper recipe

Servings: servings

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $10.97

Equipment

Large pot with lid

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef 93/7
1 tablespoon paprika
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
2-1/2 cups chicken broth see note 1
2 cups elbow pasta 9 ounces, see note 2
2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 6.6 ounces, see note 3
finely chopped cilantro optional

US - Metric

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the oil over high heat. Add ground beef and allow it to sear, about 1 min per side. Break it apart and cook until it’s browned all the way through.
Once the beef is fully cooked, add all the remaining ingredients except the cheese and cilantro. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. (You should see it bubbling at the edges.) Reduce heat to medium and cover pot with a lid.
Allow the mixture to cook, covered, for 10–12 minutes. Stir a few times to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be cooked to al dente, which means it should still be slightly firm. Don’t worry if the dish is still saucy at this stage; it will continue to thicken.
Keep the pot on the stovetop but turn off the heat. Stir the mixture well and gradually add the shredded cheese, a handful at a time. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is absorbed into the pasta. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed.
If desired, sprinkle finely chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note 1: Depending on the broth’s saltiness, you may need to adjust the salt. Start with a little, taste, and add more if needed. If using a low-sodium broth, consider adding an extra 1/4 tsp salt for flavor.

Note 2: For optimal results, choose elbow or a similarly shaped and sized pasta with the same recommended cook time.

Note 3: To prevent a greasy or clumpy texture, opt for freshly shredded cheese. Sharp or extra sharp Cheddar provides the most flavor, while mild/medium varieties may result in a less flavorful dish. Gently pack cheese into the measuring cup to get an accurate measurement.

Storage: Store covered leftovers in the fridge for 3–5 days. Reheat on low and add a splash of broth to help restore creaminess. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store in an freezer-safe container for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating for best results.

Nutrition