Dinner

Easy One Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe

ByJake Silas October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

This Easy One Pot Hamburger Helper is a comforting, cheesy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’ll have a hearty dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite that the whole family will love.

A white pot with pink handles is filled with creamy macaroni pasta mixed with ground meat, creating a thick, orange-colored sauce coating the elbow macaroni evenly. Small green chives are sprinkled on top, adding a pop of fresh color. A silver spoon is partially dipped into the pot on the right side, resting in the pasta. A soft pink cloth is casually placed underneath the pot's handle on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 pound ground beef (use 93/7)
1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
3 ½ cups beef stock
½ cup heavy cream
8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and diced onion, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic powder and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and brown it thoroughly, about 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, remove some with a paper towel.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the beef stock and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring constantly, for 7 to 8 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve garnished with the chopped chives.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Use smoked paprika instead of chili powder for a smoky flavor.
Try shredded mozzarella in place of cheddar for a milder cheese taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock or cream if the dish becomes too thick.