Whip up a comforting dinner in no time with this "Last Minute Helper Like Hamburger Helper" recipe—an easy, one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights! This homemade twist on the classic boxed favorite combines tender ground beef, aromatic onion and garlic, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni simmered in a flavorful blend of beef broth, milk, and spices like paprika and chili powder. Finished off with melted cheddar cheese and a dollop of creamy sour cream, this dish delivers a rich, velvety sauce that's irresistibly satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes and made with pantry staples, this budget-friendly, family-approved meal is sure to become a new go-to dinner idea. Serve it straight from the skillet for a deliciously hearty meal everyone will love!
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, milk, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and fully incorporated.
Add the sour cream and mix well to create a creamy sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Calories |
3190 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 185.9 g | 238% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.0 g | 500% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 641 mg | 214% | |
| Sodium | 7017 mg | 305% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 211.5 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.1 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.2 g | ||
| Protein | 183.5 g | 367% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.9 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 2230 mg | 172% | |
| Iron | 14.5 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 2830 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.