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Homemade Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper

Creamy Homemade Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper made with ground beef, pasta and cheddar cheese in one pot. An easy family dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped parsley or green onions optional

Method
 

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into irregular crumbles, until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
  5. Add the garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  6. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and milk and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  8. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir well.
  9. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  10. Cook uncovered for approximately 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender.
  11. Add a small splash of broth or water if the mixture becomes too dry before the pasta finishes cooking.
  12. Reduce the heat to low.
  13. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until completely melted and creamy.
  14. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of milk.
  15. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
  16. Allow the pasta to rest for a few minutes before serving.
  17. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.