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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper
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Homemade Hamburger Helper is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish brings together lean ground beef or turkey, tender pasta shells, and a rich sauce that envelops every bite in deliciousness. With its fragrant aroma of sautéed onions and garlic wafting through your kitchen, this dish transforms an ordinary evening into a cozy family gathering. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various tastes—add vegetables or swap proteins as desired for a meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 oz small pasta shells (or small elbow pasta)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
  2. Lower the heat to medium and add diced onion to the same pan. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir for about a minute. Gradually pour in the broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
  5. Slowly mix in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Return the browned meat to the pan; stir gently until heated through.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.theonlypets.com/homemade-hamburger-helper/