Print

Easy Creamy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

easy creamy homemade hamburger helper - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting homemade hamburger helper with creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and savory ground beef, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and starting to brown. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and starts to bubble.
  3. Slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Then add milk and stir well to combine. Let the sauce thicken for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add dry elbow macaroni directly into the skillet. Stir to submerge pasta in sauce. Cover and simmer on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes. Add more broth or water if sauce gets too thick before pasta is cooked.
  5. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mix until melted and sauce is velvety.
  6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not rush browning the beef to develop flavor. Stir constantly when making the roux to prevent burning. Cook pasta directly in the sauce for best flavor absorption. Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Soften cream cheese before adding for easier melting. Adjust liquid levels during pasta cooking to avoid clumping or dryness.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, creamy hamburger helper, quick family dinner, ground beef recipe, cheesy pasta, easy dinner

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-creamy-homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe-for-quick-family-dinners/