Name: Cheesy Hamburger Helper Recipe: Easy One-Pot Beef and Macaroni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended); 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon tomato paste or 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon oil or butter; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)

Description

This Cheesy Hamburger Helper is a quick, creamy, and comforting one-pan dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy family-friendly meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

500 g ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 cups beef broth or chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon tomato paste or 2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon oil or butter
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon mustard (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the tomato paste or ketchup, paprika, salt, black pepper, and mustard and chili flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and pour in the beef or chicken broth and milk. Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Let the dish rest for 2–3 minutes so the sauce can thicken.
Serve hot with extra shredded cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce.
Add a splash of milk or broth if the pasta becomes too thick.
For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce or a little smoked paprika.
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan
Cuisine: American