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Easy Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper Recipe 5-Step Perfect Dinner

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A quick, comforting homemade cheesy hamburger helper made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
  • 2 cups whole milk (can substitute 2% or dairy-free milk like almond)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no pink remains and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet with the beef. Once melted, sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the mixture and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Gradually add 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and optional frozen peas or corn, mixing gently to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
  6. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar shredded fresh for best meltability. Drain excess beef fat to avoid greasy sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overcrowding pan when browning beef to ensure good flavor. Can substitute ground turkey for leaner option. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk, butter, and cheese substitutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy hamburger helper, homemade hamburger helper, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-homemade-cheesy-hamburger-helper-recipe-5-step-perfect-dinner/