Homemade Hamburger Helper with Cheddar and Italian Seasoning Recipe
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring ground beef, small pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines simple pantry staples with creamy cheddar cheese and warm Italian spices to deliver a flavorful, satisfying meal in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Dressing and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz small pasta shells or small elbow pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meat and vegetables: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add the flour and spices: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat and onion mixture and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce later. Then add the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the seasonings.
- Incorporate liquids and pasta: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth) and the can of tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then add the pasta shells or elbow pasta, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream or half and half. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the hearty, cheesy hamburger helper into bowls and serve hot. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk to preserve creaminess.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
Keywords: Hamburger Helper, homemade, ground beef dinner, cheesy pasta, quick skillet meal