Homemade Hamburger Helper | Cheesy One-Pan Beef & Pasta Recipe

Skip the box and make this rich, creamy, and cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper from scratch! This one-pan comfort food classic combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and plenty of flavor for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, this homemade version is better than the store-bought favorite and perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty meal on the table fast. Ingredients 🍔 Beef 1 lb ground beef (450 g) 1 tsp kosher salt (5 g) 1 tsp black pepper (2 g) 🧄 Aromatics 1 tbsp butter (14 g) 1/2 medium onion, diced (75 g) 4 cloves garlic, minced (12 g) 🍅 Flavor Base 2 tbsp tomato paste (30 g) 1 tsp smoked paprika (2 g) 1 tsp onion powder (2 g) 1 tsp garlic powder (2 g) 1/2 tsp mustard powder (1 g) Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper Crushed red pepper flakes 🍝 Pasta 8 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta (225 g) 🥛 Sauce 2 cups beef broth (480 ml) 1 cup milk (240 ml) 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional (120 ml) 🧀 Cheese 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g) 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (100 g) 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish (25 g) 🌿 Optional Garnishes Fresh parsley Green onions Extra black pepper Hot sauce Instructions 1. Brown the Beef Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Season with: 1 tsp kosher salt (5 g) 1 tsp black pepper (2 g) Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed. 2. Add Onion & Garlic Reduce the heat slightly. Add: 1 tbsp butter (14 g) 1/2 medium diced onion (75 g) Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add: 4 cloves minced garlic (12 g) Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. 3. Build Flavor Add: 2 tbsp tomato paste (30 g) 1 tsp smoked paprika (2 g) 1 tsp onion powder (2 g) 1 tsp garlic powder (2 g) 1/2 tsp mustard powder (1 g) Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly. 4. Add Liquids Pour in: 2 cups beef broth (480 ml) 1 cup milk (240 ml) 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml), if using Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. 5. Add Pasta Add: 8 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta (225 g) Stir thoroughly. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover loosely. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add additional broth or milk 2–4 tablespoons (30–60 ml) at a time. 6. Check Pasta The pasta should be: Tender Well-coated in sauce Creamy, not dry 7. Add the Cheese Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in: 2 cups cheddar cheese (200 g) 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (100 g) Stir until smooth, creamy, and glossy. 8. Final Taste & Adjustments Taste and adjust: Salt Black pepper Hot sauce Cayenne pepper 9. Serve Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with: Parmesan cheese Fresh parsley Green onions Extra black pepper If you enjoyed this recipe, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more easy comfort food recipes, one-pan meals, and homemade family dinners! #HomemadeHamburgerHelper #OnePanDinner #GroundBeefRecipes #ComfortFood #EasyDinnerRecipe #CheesyPasta #WeeknightDinner #FamilyDinner #BeefAndPasta #OnePotMeals #HomemadeRecipes #CookingChannel #DinnerIdeas #PastaRecipes #EasyMeals