Cheesy Beef Pasta Cheap Hamburger Helper
Satisfy your comfort food cravings without breaking the bank with this Cheesy Beef Pasta, a homemade twist on classic Hamburger Helper that's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. This one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, rich cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni in a creamy, seasoned sauce, all in just 30 minutes. Infused with the warmth of paprika and chili powder, this budget-friendly recipe uses pantry staples like beef broth and milk to create a deliciously hearty meal that the whole family will love. With minimal prep and cleanup, this savory skillet dish is perfect for busy weeknights and serves up to six generous portions. Cook up a batch today and enjoy the nostalgic, cheesy goodness of a homemade classic!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 Small onion, diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups Beef broth
- 1.5 cups Milk
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir well to combine.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Stir in the paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has thickened.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If desired, add the butter for extra richness and stir until fully incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Cheesy Beef Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
570 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.1 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.0 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 108 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 939 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 31.0 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 373 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 386 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
