Description
This Best Hamburger Helper recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-pan meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and rich cheeses with a flavorful blend of spices. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, it uses common pantry ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta and Pantry
- 2 cups short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbow)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink and nicely browned.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper to evenly coat the meat and vegetables, building a flavorful base.
- Combine liquids and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it is evenly submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Add cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the dish, making it rich and cheesy.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta shape like rigatoni, penne, or elbow macaroni based on your preference.
- For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef in olive oil, though it is optional.
- Stirring occasionally during the pasta cooking step prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste after the cheeses have melted, as cheese adds saltiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hamburger Helper, ground beef pasta, cheesy beef pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food
