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–+ servings

Best Hamburger Helper

A quick and satisfying one-pot meal that combines ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 2 cups short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbow) Short pasta shapes work best.
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk Use full-fat milk for creaminess.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese.
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cooking

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
  • Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in uncooked pasta.
  • Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • When pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until melted.
  • Add shredded cheddar, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  • Turn off heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For added nutrition, consider mixing in some frozen or fresh vegetables like peas or broccoli during the final cooking stage. If you like a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.