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Homemade Hamburger Helper

This easy one-pot homemade hamburger helper is the ultimate comfort food! Made with ground beef, macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce, it's a family-friendly dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes. Forget the boxed stuff, this is so much better!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 0.5 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Add the chopped onion and olive oil to a large saucepan. Cook over low-medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the onions become semi-translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef and continue to cook over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned. Drain the beef over paper towels and return it to the saucepan.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring and mixing frequently.
  4. Add the elbow macaroni, beef broth, and heavy whipping cream to the saucepan. Bring the heat to high. Stir frequently as the mixture comes to a light boil. Adjust heat if necessary. Once boiling, cover the pot and cook for an additional 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. During the last minute of cooking, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and combined into the dish.
  6. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Add additional salt and pepper to taste as needed.

Notes

This homemade hamburger helper is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, cool them completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.