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Easy One-Pot Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe Perfect for Quick Family Meals

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A quick, filling, and tasty homemade version of Hamburger Helper made in one pot with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (200 g)
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (600 ml)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%, 240 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (170 g)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Stir in 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the tomato paste caramelize.
  3. Add 2 ½ cups beef broth and 1 cup milk to the pan. Stir in 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring pasta is submerged.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove lid and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot.

Notes

If pasta isn’t tender after simmering, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and cook a few minutes longer. Stir gently to keep pasta intact and sauce creamy. Use a lid to trap steam and create a creamy sauce. Add cheese off heat to prevent graininess. Season as you go for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, hamburger helper, copycat recipe, quick dinner, family meal, ground beef, cheesy pasta

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