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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Irresistible Homemade Hamburger Helper Pasta Bake Delight

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting, one-pot meal with savory meats, creamy sauce, and pasta, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground beef or turkey
  • 1 large Yellow onion diced
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 1 cup Tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Small pasta shells or elbow pasta
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Heavy cream or half and half
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • baking dish
  • wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent, which should take another 2-3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. This will help give the sauce a creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
  3. Gradually add the beef or chicken broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Bring the mixture to a hearty boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and fully integrated into the sauce.
  5. Taste your dish and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top it off with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Optional: Add some fresh parsley for a pop of color just before serving.

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