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One-Pot Creamy Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Helper

Close-up of creamy, cheesy homemade hamburger helper with elbow macaroni and ground beef in a white bowl.
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Make this creamy, cheesy homemade Hamburger Helper from scratch. This one-pot recipe uses ground beef and elbow macaroni for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that tastes better than the boxed version.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the flour and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the beef broth, milk, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Serve immediately as a quick comfort food meal.

Notes

  • For extra richness, use whole milk instead of lower-fat milk.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef if desired.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after the pasta cooks, add a splash more beef broth or milk until you reach your preferred consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe/