Homemade Hamburger Helper Pasta (Print)

Creamy pasta with savory ground beef and cheddar in a rich tomato sauce. Simple, quick, and family-friendly.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 450 g lean ground beef or ground turkey
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 garlic clove, minced

→ Sauce and Seasoning

04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 480 ml low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
06 - 227 g tomato sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 - 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
09 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta and Dairy

12 - 225 g small pasta shells or small elbow pasta
13 - 120 ml heavy cream or half and half
14 - 200 g shredded cheddar cheese

# Steps:

01 - Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside, leaving approximately 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan.
02 - Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, ensuring it does not burn.
03 - Add flour to the pan, stirring well for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth, ensuring a smooth consistency, and bring to a gentle boil.
04 - Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Combine thoroughly, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add an additional 60–120 ml broth if liquid reduces significantly. Cook until pasta is al dente.
05 - Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
06 - Add the browned ground beef back to the pan and stir to reheat for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For gluten-free preparation, use gluten-free pasta and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour. Additional broth and extended cooking time may be required.
02 - Spice can be increased with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
03 - To prepare ahead, double or triple the quantities for larger gatherings.
04 - For a dairy-free dish, use dairy-free cheese and non-dairy cream such as coconut cream.
05 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months but is best enjoyed freshly prepared.

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