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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper, distributing the spices evenly throughout the beef and onion mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, making the sauce rich and cheesy.
- 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
