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Cheesy Hamburger Helper

Cheesy Hamburger Helper is the ultimate comfort food, featuring savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta in a delicious one-pot dish that's ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups beef broth Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use different types of cheese.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes Can be canned or fresh.
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • optional chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Stir to combine.
  5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

This dish is versatile; customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep moist.