Homemade Cheeseburger Helper
If you grew up eating hamburger helper, you're going to love this homemade cheeseburger helper! With all the nostalgic flavor you love, this homemade version makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner using ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced sweet onion
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup heavy cream optional
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until the ground beef is browned. If needed/desired, drain the meat and return to the pan. Season the meat with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Add in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil over high heat. Add in the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to medium and gently boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 13-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly add the cheese, stirring until melted. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to tighten up before serving.