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hamburger helper beef pasta recipe

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe (One-Pot Beef Pasta)

This hamburger helper beef pasta recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with real ingredients in one easy pot.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth*
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon parsley flakes
  • 2½ tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups freshly shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese**
  • *I usually make my broth using Better Than Bouillon beef base. It creates rich beef bouillon flavor without extra effort. Low sodium beef broth also works well.
  • **Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese. It creates the creamiest cheese sauce possible.

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, garlic powder, and parsley flakes until well combined.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the freshly shredded cheese one handful at a time until melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving.