Hamburger Skillet Dinner a Fresh Take on Hamburger Helper
Transform your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering Hamburger Skillet Dinner—a fresh, homemade twist on the classic Hamburger Helper. This one-pan meal combines tender ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic with a medley of spices like paprika, chili powder, and basil to create a perfectly seasoned base. Toss in hearty elbow macaroni, rich tomato paste, and savory beef broth, letting everything simmer together for easy comfort in every bite. The dish is finished with a luxuriously creamy cheddar cheese sauce and a splash of milk, delivering indulgent flavor with minimal effort. Ready in just 35 minutes and perfect for feeding a family, this quick and easy dinner idea is destined to become a household favorite. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of freshness, and enjoy a warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing classic made entirely from scratch. Keywords: Hamburger Skillet Dinner, easy one-pan meal, homemade Hamburger Helper, cheesy skillet dinner, quick dinner recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large skillet or deep-sided sauté pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary and return the beef to the skillet.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
Stir in the paprika, chili powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and onions in the seasonings.
Add the beef broth and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir until the tomato paste is fully dissolved.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2940 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.1 g | 207% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.6 g | 418% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 554 mg | 185% | |
| Sodium | 6929 mg | 301% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 206.0 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.9 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.7 g | ||
| Protein | 178.0 g | 356% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1982 mg | 152% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 2820 mg | 60% | |
*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.
