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Homemade Cheeseburger Helper Recipe

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3.8 from 51 reviews

This Homemade Cheeseburger Helper is a comforting and cheesy one-pot meal featuring browned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines savory seasonings and a creamy texture for a satisfying twist on a classic favorite.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup diced sweet onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Pasta

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 ½ cups beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni

Dairy

  • 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil and Brown the Ground Beef: In a large Dutch oven or sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and diced sweet onion, cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned. If desired, drain excess fat and return the meat to the pan.
  2. Season the Meat: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to enhance the flavors.
  3. Add Liquids and Bring to Boil: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  4. Cook the Macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni, reduce heat to medium, and let it gently boil uncovered. Stir occasionally for 13-15 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the heavy cream, if using. Gradually add shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  6. Season to Taste and Rest: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
  • Heavy cream is optional but adds richness to the sauce.
  • Stir frequently while cooking the macaroni to prevent sticking.
  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like shells or penne.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/homemade-cheeseburger-helper-recipe/