Hamburger Helper Recipe

Hamburger Helper Recipe

6 servings
Quick and easy ground beef with shells in a creamy and cheesy pasta sauce. Everything cooks in just one pan!

Ingredients

  • ground beef

    lean

    1 lb
  • onion

    diced

    ½ medium
  • garlic

    minced

    1 tsp
  • italian seasoning
    1 tsp
  • beef broth

    low sodium

    2 c
  • milk

    whole or 2%

    1 c
  • pasta sauce

    jarred, your favorite flavor

    24 oz
  • medium pasta shells)

    uncooked (about 2 ½ cups

    10 oz
  • cheddar cheese

    shredded

    2 c
  • salt and pepper
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Brown the ground beef in a large skillet with high sides along with the onion, over medium-high heat. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat and return skillet to the stove top.

  2. 2

    Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the beef broth, milk and pasta sauce, bring the mixture to a boil.

  3. 3

    Add in the uncooked pasta shells and stir often, uncovered, until the pasta has absorbed the majority of the liquid and the noodles are tender. This should take about 15 to 18 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in the shredded cheese and mix until it's well incorporated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Hamburger Helper Recipe

Hamburger Helper Recipe

25 min6 servings576 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving that classic, comforting taste of Hamburger Helper, but want to make it from scratch with simple ingredients? This incredibly easy recipe delivers a hearty, delicious meal featuring ground beef and shells in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all prepared in a single pan.

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Meal

The genius of this Hamburger Helper recipe lies in its one-pan convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Everything comes together beautifully, with the medium pasta shells cooking directly in a savory blend of beef broth and your favorite jarred pasta sauce. This method not only infuses the pasta with incredible flavor but also means less cleanup, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal.

What to expect from this dish is pure comfort food bliss. You'll be treated to tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce that coats every bite. The aromatic Italian seasoning, combined with diced onion and minced garlic, builds a satisfying depth of flavor that's both familiar and wonderfully fresh. It’s a substantial main dish, promising generous portions and a satisfying experience for the whole family.

Customization & Serving Tips

Easily adapt this ground beef and pasta dish to your preferences. While sharp cheddar cheese provides that classic comfort, feel free to experiment with a Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a slightly different melt. For a lighter touch, you could also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey. Don't be afraid to use your favorite pasta sauce flavor to truly make this recipe your own.

Serve this satisfying dish as a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to add a fresh contrast, or with some warm, crusty bread perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, cheesy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions