Best Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

This Best Hamburger Helper is a comforting, cheesy skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s an easy dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbow)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper to season the mixture evenly.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the uncooked pasta to combine everything well.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Once the pasta is tender, reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until it melts and blends smoothly.
7. Step 7: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and fully combined.
8. Step 8: Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding the beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Try mixing in some frozen peas or chopped bell peppers during the simmer step for added veggies.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the paprika.

Storage

Store leftover Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta such as rigatoni, penne, or elbow macaroni works well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese, though the texture may vary slightly.

Best Hamburger Helper Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 70 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Hamburger Helper recipe is a quick, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef, savory short pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simple pantry staples with rich flavors for a hearty, family-friendly dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbow)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef (and olive oil if using). Cook the meat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, stirring occasionally.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper, distributing the spices evenly throughout the beef and onion mixture.
4. Combine liquids and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender.
6. Incorporate cream cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely and integrates into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
7. Add cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, making the sauce rich and cheesy.
8. Serve: Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the hamburger helper hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Using short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or elbow noodles helps the sauce cling better for a creamier dish.
• If you prefer a richer sauce, you can substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms in step 2 for extra nutrition.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: hamburger helper, ground beef pasta, cheesy beef skillet, quick dinner, one-pan meal