Description
This Easy One Pot Hamburger Helper is a comforting and quick dinner solution combining browned ground beef, savory spices, tender elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy beef broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just one pan and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef (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
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and diced onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic powder and cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. If excess fat is released, remove some using a paper towel for a leaner dish.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder, sugar, and salt into the browned beef, mixing well to evenly coat the meat with spices.
- Cook Pasta in Broth: Pour in the beef stock and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook while stirring constantly for 7-8 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Spoon into bowls and garnish with finely chopped chives before serving.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use extra-lean ground beef or drain excess fat thoroughly.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape like shells or rotini if desired.
- To make it lighter, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Cook the pasta uncovered and stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one pot hamburger helper, quick dinner, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight meal, creamy cheddar pasta
